Assistant Director of Early Childhood Education

Turun kaupungin lasten ja nuorten palvelualue seeks a temporary assistant director for early childhood education at Mäntymäen Daycare starting 1 September 2026. The daycare operates across four sites: Kallelankatu 3, Myllymäentie 42, Vähä-Heikkilän koulun esiopetustilat (Myllymäentie 42), and Vähä-Heikkilän päiväkodin tilat (Uittamontie 31). Temporary facilities for Kallelankatu will be completed in autumn at Käpytie 1. The unit runs seven groups for 1–6-year-olds, including three preschools. Approximately 30 staff members work in education and upbringing. As deputy to the daycare director, you will participate in leadership and shared management, leading pedagogical activities and contributing to overall management with the leadership team. Responsibilities include pedagogical leadership, supporting staff and development, duties related to daycare-wide management with the leadership team, safety management, coordinating constructive feedback and observation work, and advancing equality and non-discrimination. The work follows Turku’s strategic goals and development lines from the mayor’s program. Successful applicants will have strong early childhood and preschool expertise, the ability to see the big picture, and value pedagogical expertise and collaboration. We value cooperative and communicative abilities and adaptability. We expect: goal-oriented staff leadership, a constructive and solution-focused approach, a positive and motivating attitude, organizational ability and initiative, and good digital skills. You will work with the daycare leadership team and regional leadership networks; previous leadership roles are an advantage. We offer a diverse work environment that values cooperation, pedagogical development, and staff expertise, with opportunity to shape new operating culture and work alongside others, influencing daily life in early childhood education. Interviews will begin during the application period. Apply to help develop the future of early childhood education at Mäntymäen Daycare! The position requires eligibility under the Early Childhood Education Act sections 26, 30, 31, 74 or 75, and the employee must provide a criminal background check as required by law. Public employment benefits include multiple training opportunities, an affordable Föli travel card, and a Tyky wristband for Turku’s sports and cultural services. Turku City promotes anonymous recruitment to foster equality and non-discrimination, meaning applicants’ ages, mother tongue, or gender will not be shown in the anonymized report in the first stage of recruitment. Address: Kallelankatu 3, Myllymäentie 42, Vähä-Heikkilän esiopetusryhmä, Myllymäentie 42, 20810 Turku; Vähä-Heikkilän päiväkodin esiopetusryhmä, Uittamontie 31, 20810 Turku.