Early Childhood Education Teacher (recruitment from abroad, permanent position in public sector daycare))

Hello, Early Childhood Education Teachers! Are you interested in working in a public daycare in Finland, known for its high-quality education system? We offer a permanent full-time position, competitive salary, great employee benefits, free Finnish language training, apartment, relocation support, and a clear pathway to living and working in Finland. Whether you are an experienced Early Childhood Education Teacher or newly qualified, we at the City of Helsinki would be delighted to hear from you!

In Finland, ECE teachers are highly trusted professionals. You have significant autonomy in planning pedagogical activities and are encouraged to use your professional expertise in everyday work. You support the holistic development of children aged 0-6 in an inclusive, child-centred environment. You work in a multi-professional team, sharing responsibility for childrens wellbeing and learning.

In Finland, ECE is part of the national education system and follows the Educare model, integrating care, education and teaching (read more from the Finnish National Agency for Education: https://www.oph.fi/en/education-system/early-childhood-education-and-care-finland). In practice, this means that:

Every moment is pedagogical

Play is the foundation of learning

Learning happens throughout the whole day

Nature and outdoor environments are used yearround

Childrens interests and questions guide learning

Your core responsibilities:

Plan, implement and assess play-based learning activities

Lead your groups pedagogical work together with childcare nurses

Observe and document childrens learning and development

Create and update individual learning plans in collaboration with families

Collaborate with colleagues and multidisciplinary professionals

Design inspiring learning environments indoors and outdoors

Our daycare units' opening hours range between 6:15-17:30, depending on families needs. As a full-time teacher you work 38.25 hours per week Monday-Friday.

We are looking for professionals who connect well with others and are open to learning and professional growth. You value teamwork and recognise that high-quality pedagogy is built together. You will enjoy this role if you want to fully use your pedagogical expertise and appreciate professional trust and autonomy. You are an advocate of play-based learning and see learning opportunities in everyday moments. As a professional you are reflective, curious and resilient.

Qualification and other requirements to start the Finnish language course in February 2027:

Right to work in Finland, for example, on the basis of EU/EEA citizenship

At least Bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education Your qualification gives you the right to work as an Early Childhood Education Teacher for children aged 0-6 years in the country where the degree was obtained.

At least level B2 in English language

Willingness and ability to commit to learning Finnish language prior to employment contract and relocation. The working language in our daycares is Finnish. During the language course we test your language skill development regularly.

Requirements to enter into a permanent employment contract in January 2028:

Reaching target level B1 in Finnish language

Decision from the Finnish National Agency of Education demonstrating eligibility to work as an ECE teacher in Finland

Criminal record extract from the Legal Register Centre

Proof that you do not have respiratory tuberculosis

We can only enter into a permanent employment contract with you if you meet all the above requirements.

We provide comprehensive support to make your relocation to Finland as smooth as possible:

Assistance with degree recognition process

Remote Finnish language training (10 months, part-time, 4x90min lessons every week + 4-8h/wk independent study, homework and assignments) which you can complete alongside your current employment

Pre-departure training also includes practical information about working and living in Finland

Support in registrations with Finnish authorities upon arrival (also for relocating family members)

Assistance in finding an apartment. As a City of Helsinki employee, you can rent a City-owned apartment and no rental deposit is required.

Language training and relocation schedule:

Feb'27-Dec'27: Finnish language training remotely. Attendance and active participation is essential.

Jan'28: Relocation to Finland and starting work.

Salary and benefits:

Starting salary: €3,298/mth +3-8% experience-based supplements for 5-10 yrs of relevant experience

ePassi benefit: €550/year (sports, culture, wellbeing, commuting)

Comprehensive private occupational health care

Paid annual leave: 23-28 days + 5 extra days for qualified teachers

Holiday bonus pay

Watch our teachers who have already relocated share their experiences of pedagogical work, life in Finland, and the support they received in the relocation process:

Álvaro and Eva: https://youtu.be/KhcaHeu-xLc

Melissa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eyjJjnxRiY

Yaiza: https://youtu.be/4IPA8d0pkI4

We warmly welcome you to join a workplace that values your expertise and recognises the potential in both you and the children!

Please note:

(ENG) If you are already living in Finland and hold a degree in early childhood education obtained abroad, please do not apply through this path. Instead, explore our other employment opportunities at www.helsinkirekry.fi and https://www.hel.fi/en/open-jobs/for-education-professionals or contact us at rekry.kasko@hel.fi.

(FIN) Jos asut jo Suomessa ja sinulla on ulkomailla suoritettu varhaiskasvatuksen tutkinto, älä hae tähän polkuun. Tutustu sen sijaan muihin työpaikkoihimme osoitteessa www.helsinkirekry.fi ja työllistymispolkuihimme osoitteessa https://www.hel.fi/en/open-jobs/for-education-professionals, tai ota meihin yhteyttä: rekry.kasko@hel.fi.