Michelle qualified in 2010 with a First Class Honours Degree in Early Childhood Care & Education from Cork Institute of Technology. Michelle worked in RiRa Kilrush for one year after qualifying and then moved to Sunflowers Creche Kildysart where she worked as the Senior Childcare Worker. Michelle then moved to Australia where she continued to work in Childcare in a Kindergarten, here Michelle also held the position of Educational Leader and 2IC (second in charge). After returning from Australia Michelle worked in Wonder Years before taking a break and returning in Sept 2017 as Preschool Leader and Manager. Michelle returned to college in September 2019 to complete a Level 6 Leadership for INClusion in the Early Years programme Qualification to become an Inclusion Coordinator through Mary Immaculate College. In 2021 Michelle Completed a Level 5 Qualification in Infection Control and has recently started a Level 6 Qualification in Leadership.
Zara qualified in 2017 with Bachelor (Honours) Degree in Early Childhood Care and Education from the Institute of Technology Tralee. Zara has worked in RiRa Creche, Kilrush, which is now known as Cairde Beag and also worked in the Special needs unit which is part of the national school in Kilrush as part of her work experience. During these experiences Zara worked with babies up to the Montessori preschool ages group along with working with many children from disadvantaged backgrounds in the afterschool programme. Zara joined us in 2017 and is currently working as the Pre-preschool Leader and Second in Charge. Zara constantly further develops her knowledge and skills; she continues to attend training courses and workshops when available.
Sheila qualified in 2004 with a Level 5 Qualification in Early Childhood Care & Education. She continued on to complete a Diploma in Montessori Teaching in 2011. Sheila has previously worked in Cuan Aire Creche in Ennis as an Early Years Educator in both Baby Room and Toddler Rooms from 2004 until 2009. The aim of this creche was to care for children whose parents wished to return to education so Sheila gained great experience caring for children from varied backgrounds. After this Sheila worked in Naoimi’s Creche Galway as a Montessori & Afterschool Teacher. She also travelled to Australia working in two different childcare settings. Sheila attends various training and courses to keep up to date with current practice. Sheila joined our team in 2019 and works full time as the Baby Room Leader.
Martina returned to study as a part-time student in Sept 2018 with Clare & Limerick EBT. During the following year Martina completed QQI Level 5 Qualification in Early Childhood Care and Education. As part of placement Martina worked in Kildysart Kids Creche with all age groups and was then offered the position of Afterschool Educator; working with children from 4 years to 12 years. After Qualifying, Martina was offered another position in the preschool room, covering maternity leave along with the afterschool position. When that post finished Martina joined the Team at Wonder Years where she works mornings in the Baby & Toddler Rooms.
Claire is highly experienced in Childcare having run her own childcare service from home for the last seven years. Claire has completed a Level 5 Qualification in Early Childhood Care & Education and has also complete a Level 6 Qualification in Special Needs. Claire has a Diploma in Life Coaching Dealing with Adults and Adolescence. Claire joined our team in January 2020 and works as the afterschool group leader.
Ciara qualified in Early Childhood Care and Education and Special Needs in FETAC Level 5 in 2015 and continued on to complete a FETAC Level 6 qulaification in Early Childhood Care and Education in 2016. Ciara has participated training and received certificated in Epilepsy Management, Manual Handling, First Aid, Children First, Food Safety, PEG Feeding. Ciara also works as a Family Support Worker for Enable Ireland three Saturdays a month and Brother of Charity one afternoon a week in which she cares for children with Additional Needs. Ciara completed work in Réalta Dríochta pre-school, Lollipop Tree Créche now known as Cairde Early learning Centre Ennis. Ciara joined the team at Wonder Years in June 2019 and is very content here in her role as lunch cover and float which allows her to work with all the children on a daily basis.