Rachael has been involved in the Early Childhood Care and Education sector for almost 12 years, within a variety of disciplines. She began her career in Childcare, having qualified from Mary Immaculate College (MIC), Limerick with a BA in ECCE, graduating in 2009. She has almost 8 years’ experience working in childcare in a supervisory role and predominantly within the pre-school age group. While working in Childcare Rachael was successful in completing a part-time Diploma in Child Psychology.

Rachael’s career in teaching began in 2013, as she combined her passion for childcare and her love for teaching. Rachael started working in the PLC sector delivering on level 5 & 6 ECCE programmes, with a specific focus on practical teaching components where she could share her experience and knowledge with current students. Rachael’s love for teaching a subject matter that she is passionate about motivated her to complete a Post Graduate Diploma in Teaching in Further Educations from Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) in 2015. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is an integral part of Rachael’s career path and it has driven her to participate in a variety of additional workshops and training opportunities. The most significant was notably her participation on a study visit to Norway, funded by Early Childhood Ireland & Léargas in partnership with Queen Maud University, Trondheim, Norway.

Rachael has guest lectured with Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT), with specific focus on child development and theories of child development. Rachael worked as a Tutor on the Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years Programme form 2016 – 2019, she is currently employed working as a Childminding Development Officer with Kilkenny County Childcare Committee.