The City of Helsinki offers a full-time permanent contract for an Early Childhood Education Teacher to work at the municipal daycare units located in the major Helsinki city districts. Currently there are about 6,000 employees engaged in the education division of Helsinki. We have approximately 300 Finnish-speaking and 50 Swedish-speaking daycare units. The daycare centers are open between 6:15 and 17:30 and the shifts are arranged according to the needs of the families.
As an Early Childhood Education Teacher in Helsinki, you create a child-centered inclusive environment for children aged 0-6. You work as part of a team with joint responsibility on children’s learning, safety and wellbeing. You consider individual needs and perspectives of every child and adapt all activities to support diverse abilities of children. You encourage exploration throughout the day, making every moment an opportunity for learning and growth. In this positive, strengths-based setting, you support children’s confidence, independence, and sense of ownership in their learning journey.
Your tasks are as follows:

• Plan, assess, and implement pedagogical activities, supporting individual learning based on each child’s Individual Development Plan.
• Guide activities according to the daycare unit's operational plan and Helsinki’s Early Childhood Education guidelines, in collaboration with the team.
• Proactively interact with children, parents and staff, fostering a supportive environment.
• Engage in multidisciplinary collaboration with basic education as well as social and health services.
• Collaborate within the child group, team, work community.
• Document and evaluate pedagogical activities and maintain clear communication within the child group.
• Prepare and maintain pedagogical documentation, adjusting plans based on observations.
• Participate in evaluating and enhancing children’s and parents’ involvement, in collaboration with the team.

Get acquainted with Yaiza from Barcelona, who works as a special needs teacher in early childhood education in Helsinki: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IPA8d0pk I4&t=6s
Qualification, language, and other requirements

• The applicant must have a residence and work permit in the European Union.
• The applicant must have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. The employer provides assistance with the degree recognition with the Finnish educational authorities.
• The applicant does not have to know Finnish language at the moment of applying for the job. The language training will be conducted remotely and can be completed alongside work, starting in winter 2025 and lasting about 9 months before relocation to Finland. Language training will be continued upon arrival within the working hours, a couple of hours a week.
• The applicants must provide an extract from the criminal record as referred to in section 6 (2) of the Criminal Records Act of Finland when the work implies raising, teaching, care or other caretaking of a minor or other work in personal contact with the minor in the absence of a guardian.
• The applicant must provide proof of not having respiratory tuberculosis.

Personality & soft skills requirements
We are looking for an individual with excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills, which are essential for working closely with both the teachers and families. A proactive approach to learning and working is important. We seek someone genuinely enthusiastic about professional growth, open to new pedagogical methods, and eager to introduce fresh ideas. As you would be moving to a new country to live and work, flexibility, adaptability and willingness to take the initiative are further key traits for making a successful transition. A strong commitment to learning and improving your Finnish language skills is essential for effective communication with children and their families. A positive, resilient attitude and an eagerness to celebrate small achievements will make you a valuable addition to our team.
Relocating to Finland
Applicants should have a genuine interest in relocating to Finland. The language training provided before moving includes comprehensive information about Finland and Finnish society to make the settling in the new surrounding as smooth as possible. The recruited teachers are guided and assisted throughout the whole relocation process, from obtaining necessary certificates and permits to finding housing in Helsinki and registering with public authorities, such as the Digital Population Data Services Agency and the Tax Office. Relocation support is provided also for the family members.
Why is Helsinki a good place to live?
Helsinki, the vibrant capital of Finland, is home to our daycare centers and offers an exceptional quality of life. Finland has ranked as the world’s happiest country for seven years running, thanks in part to its employee-friendly work hours and strong support for work-life balance.
In Helsinki, you’ll experience a secure, welcoming city with world-class, inclusive education, where every child receives free meals and materials. The city’s high-quality healthcare is free for residents, underscoring its commitment to equality and accessibility for all.
Helsinki offers an ideal work-life balance, thanks to efficient public transportation and short commute times, providing you with more time to enjoy your free hours. With quick access to parks, cultural sites, and recreational areas, it’s easy to make the most of your time outside of work.
Famous for its inspiring architecture and lively new districts, Helsinki blends urban beauty with easy access to nature. Scenic parks, islands, bike paths, and even winter skiing provide a backdrop for an active lifestyle. Plus, with direct flights to global destinations and ferry routes to Tallinn and Stockholm, you’re always well-connected. Helsinki’s diverse cultural mix makes it easy to settle in and feel at home. Watch a video about Helsinki: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rm UULs8Oc XA.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From 2 926,15€ per month
Ability to commute/relocate:

• Helsinki: Reliably commute or willing to relocate with an employer-provided relocation package (Required)

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• ECEC Teacher: 1 year (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)

Application Deadline: 15/12/2024