Assistant Director-Teacher of Early Childhood Education

The City of Kotka is seeking an Assistant Director-Teacher of Early Childhood Education for the period 1.9.2026 - 31.12.2026. The position is part of the leadership entity for Kanerva Kindergarten, Sateenkaari Kindergarten, and Mussalo School's pre-primary education. You will work in a leadership team consisting of the kindergarten director, two assistant director-teachers, and a special education teacher for early childhood education, starting 1.9.2026. We are looking for an assistant director-teacher who has the courage to dive in, try new things, and develop their own work and the community's operations together with the leadership team. Your work will focus strongly on strengthening the pedagogy of the kindergartens and pre-primary education. You will work in a competent, innovative community that supports professional development. Are you the professional we are looking for, whose work reflects commitment, sensitive interaction, positive thinking, and a desire to take responsibility for the pedagogical daily operations of the units together with the kindergarten director and the leadership team? Performing the duties of an assistant director-teacher requires a strong interest in the service entity and a developmental approach to pedagogical leadership. The assistant director-teacher acts as the pedagogical partner to the kindergarten director in leading, developing, and evaluating the goal-oriented operations of the units and participates in the pedagogical guidance and support of staff. They also participate in customer counseling and service guidance and act as a substitute for early childhood education teachers during planned water-free days and annual leaves. They are not responsible for their own group of children. The position requires strong expertise and experience in pedagogical leadership, good cooperation skills, a willingness to operate in multidisciplinary cooperation networks, and the ability to organize and make decisions in changing situations. The assistant director-teacher strengthens and ensures the implementation of high-quality early childhood education services and the sustainability of pedagogical daily life. We expect an inspiring and encouraging approach, self-direction, and a willingness to develop professional skills. Good digital skills and experience as an assistant director are considered an advantage. Eligibility requirements for the position are the qualifications for an early childhood education teacher according to the Early Childhood Education Act (540/2018, Section 26) or the transitional provision (Section 75). Study and work certificates must be presented at the interview. Interviews will be conducted in week 34. The position requires a health certificate regarding respiratory tuberculosis in accordance with Section 55 of the Communicable Diseases Act. A tuberculosis questionnaire is completed by the applicant during the application phase. The questionnaire and interpretation guidelines prepared by the Finnish Occupational Health Administration are used. The selected person must, before the selection is confirmed, present an extract in accordance with the Act on the Checking of the Criminal Background of Persons Working with Children (504/2002). A two (2) month probationary period applies to the position. Working hours are 38.25 h/week (general working hours). Applications should primarily be submitted electronically by logging into the electronic recruitment system. Assistance with submitting the application is available at 040 352 4737 (Mon-Fri 7-14). Paper applications and CVs can be sent to: Kotkan kaupunki, Kirjaamo, PL 205, 48101 KOTKA. What we offer you Sateenkaari Kindergarten, Kanerva Kindergarten, and Mussalo pre-primary education are located in the Mussalo residential area in the middle of nature. We make versatile use of the local environment (forests, shores, playgrounds, school sports field). Additionally, the kindergartens have their own small gymnasiums. Sateenkaari Kindergarten and Mussalo pre-primary education also have the possibility to use the Mussalo sports hall. Kanerva Kindergarten has two children's groups. Operating philosophy: Together we create a safe and positive growth environment for the child, where the child can grow, develop, and find the joy of learning through play. Focus areas in Kanerva are: present interaction, participation of children and parents, play, and physical activity. Sateenkaari Kindergarten has three children's groups. Operating philosophy: In Sateenkaari Kindergarten, we meet children without rush and with warmth. Play, joy, humor, and positive reinforcement are visible in our kindergarten's activities. We encourage curiosity and support children's independence and learning. The children's voice is heard in our kindergarten, and together we create an equitable and safe growth environment. We find joy in moving, realizing, exploring, and learning new things together by utilizing the possibilities of the local environment versatilely. Mussalo School's pre-primary education has four pre-primary groups. Operating philosophy: Pre-primary education is the period between early childhood education and basic education on the child's learning path. In pre-primary education, the child grows, plays, and learns according to their own abilities through safe, goal-oriented, and child-respecting activities.