Early Childhood Education Teacher (international recruitment, permanent position in public sector daycare)) (20 jobs)

Hello, Early Childhood Education Teacher!

Are you interested in working in a public daycare in Finland, known for its high-quality education system? 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 permanent full-time positions for ECE Teachers, with competitive salary, strong benefits, relocation support and long-term career opportunities. You do not need Finnish skills when applying - language training is provided before starting work.

In this role, you support the holistic development of children aged 0-6 in an inclusive, child-centred environment. Teachers enjoy professional autonomy within the national curriculum, planning and implementing pedagogical activities based on their expertise. You work in a multi professional team, sharing responsibility for children’s wellbeing and learning.

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(Link leads to external service)). 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

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.

We are looking for someone who:

• Builds strong relationships with children, families and colleagues
• Values teamwork and shared responsibility
• Appreciates professional trust and autonomy
• Supports play-based learning
• Is learning-oriented, curious and resilient

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 to start the Finnish language course:

• Right to work in the EU/EEA
• At least Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education
• At least level B2 in English language
• Willingness and ability to commit to learning Finnish language prior to relocation. During the language course we test your language skill development regularly.

Requirements to enter in a permanent employment contract:

• Reaching target level B1 in Finnish language
• Decision from the Finnish National Agency of Education demonstrating eligibility to work as an early childhood education teacher in Finland
• Criminal record extract from the Legal Register Centre (Act on Checking the Criminal Background of Persons Working with Children (504/2002).
• Proof that you do not have respiratory tuberculosis (Section 55 of the Communicable Diseases Act)

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 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 working and living in Finland
• Support in registrations with Finnish authorities upon arrival (also for relocating family members)
• Assistance in finding an apartment -as the City of Helsinki employee you can rent City's own apartment and no rental deposit is needed

Language training and relocation schedule:

• Autumn '26-summer '27: 9-10 mth long Finnish language training remotely. Attendance and active participation is essential.
• Autumn '27: Relocation to Finland and starting work.

Salary and benefits:

• Starting salary: €3,224/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 in addition to you normal salary

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(Link leads to external service)
• Melissa: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eyjJjnxRiY(Link leads to external service)
• Yaiza: https://youtu.be/4IPA8d0pkI4(Link leads to external service)

Please apply via the link and attach your updated CV (in English). 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(Link leads to external service) and https://www.hel.fi/en/open-jobs/for-education-professionals or contact us at rekry.kasko@hel.fi(Link opens default mail program).

(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(Link leads to external service) ja työllistymispolkuihimme osoitteessa https://www.hel.fi/en/open-jobs/for-education-professionals, tai ota meihin yhteyttä: rekry.kasko@hel.fi(Link opens default mail program).