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Hello, Early Childhood Education Teacher!
Are you interested in working in a public daycare in a country renowned for one of the best education systems in the world? 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. We offer a permanent contract from day one, a competitive salary, excellent employee benefits, full relocation support and a genuine opportunity to build a meaningful and long-term career in early childhood education.
You may be wondering what life in Helsinki is like and what it means to work as an Early Childhood Education Teacher in Finland. Watch our teachers who have already relocated to Helsinki share their experiences of pedagogical work, everyday life in Finland, and the support they received throughout 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 at the City of Helsinki offer permanent, full-time positions for Early Childhood Education Teachers in Finnish-speaking public daycare centres across Helsinki’s major districts. You do not need to know Finnish language at the point of applying, as we provide language training prior to starting work.
As an Early Childhood Education Teacher in Finland, you support the holistic development of children aged 0-6 in an inclusive and child-centred learning environment. Teachers’ autonomy is highly valued. While the national curriculum provides shared goals and principles, you use your professional expertise and judgement to plan, explore and implement pedagogical solutions. You work as part of a multi‑professional team, sharing responsibility for children’s learning, safety and wellbeing.
Your typical week includes:
• Planning pedagogical activities based on children’s interests and development
• Implementing play-based learning indoors and outdoors
• Observing, assessing and documenting children’s learning
• Individual and small-group pedagogical support
• Regular discussions with families
• Team collaboration and professional reflection
• Most importantly, engaging with children and supporting their daily growth and development
Your core responsibilities:
• Plan, implement and assess play-based learning activities
• Lead your group’s pedagogical work together with childcare nurses
• Observe and document children’s learning and development
• Create and update individual learning plans in collaboration with families
• Collaborate with colleagues and multidisciplinary professionals
• Encourage children’s participation and agency
• 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.
Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) in Finland 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 year‑round
• Children’s interests and questions guide learning
Who we are looking for?
You connect easily with children, families and colleagues 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:
• Right to work in the EU/EEA
• At least Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education
• An extract from the criminal record as referred to in section 6 (2) of the Criminal Records Act of Finland, as the work involves raising, teaching, care or other caretaking of a minor or other work in personal contact with the minor in the absence of a guardian.
• Proof that you do not have respiratory tuberculosis
• Willingness and ability to commit to learning Finnish language prior to relocation
We provide comprehensive support to make your relocation to Finland as smooth as possible:
• Assistance with degree recognition with the Finnish National Agency of Education
• Remote Finnish language training (total duration 9-10 moths, part-time) which you can complete alongside your current employment.
• Pre-departure training also includes practical information about Finland and Finnish society
• Support in registrations with Finnish authorities upon arrival
• Relocation support for your accompanying family members
Language training and relocation schedule:
- Autumn 2026-summer 2027: 9-10 month long Finnish language training remotely. Attendance and active participation is essential for learning the language.
- Autumn 2027: Relocation to Finland and starting work.
Salary and benefits:
- Starting salary: €3,224/month, plus 3-8% experience-based supplements
- 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 in addition to normal salary
Please apply via the link and attach your updated CV (in English) and your Early Childhood Education degree certificate. We warmly welcome you to join a workplace that values your expertise and recognises the potential in both you and the children!
Qualification and other requirements:
• Right to work in the EU/EEA
• At least Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education
• An extract from the criminal record as referred to in section 6 (2) of the Criminal Records Act of Finland, as the work involves raising, teaching, care or other caretaking of a minor or other work in personal contact with the minor in the absence of a guardian.
• Proof that you do not have respiratory tuberculosis
• Willingness and ability to commit to learning Finnish language prior to relocation
Salary and benefits:
- Starting salary: €3,224/month, plus 3-8% experience-based supplements
- 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 in addition to normal salary
- Right to work in the EU/EEA
- At least Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education
- Willingness and ability to commit to learning Finnish language prior to relocation
