Early Childhood Education Teacher

We are seeking a dedicated and collegial Early Childhood Education Teacher for the 1–3 year age group at Daycare Ruuti in Kontula, Helsinki. The day care emphasises multiculturalism and community, with a focus on positive, sensitive interaction to support each child’s growth and development through a positive pedagogy and attention to individual needs and abilities. The successful candidate will join a supportive team that already includes a child caregiver in the same unit. The daycare is located in the Ruuti building, with nearby parks and facilities providing rich opportunities for outdoor learning. Responsibilities include planning, implementing, developing, and evaluating pedagogical activities in accordance with Helsinki’s early childhood education and pre-primary program, the unit plan, and each child’s vasu. We expect strong communication skills, enthusiasm, and commitment to group work. The unit prioritises city-strategy goals and emphasizes social-emotional learning and language and literacy development. The role may be part-time as well. The unit offers a positive, encouraging work environment with opportunities to influence daily practice and to grow professionally. Support comes from a team including a special education teacher, a unit ombudsman, a request-based early childhood educator, and an assistant director. In evaluations, the unit has been recognised as among the city’s best. A local regional equality supplement of 150 €/month is paid to those meeting the unit’s qualification requirements until 31.10.2026 to help prevent regional disparities in early childhood education. The city offers extensive employee benefits, including up to 550 € Epassi Flex for commuting and other wellbeing services. The teacher is responsible for building the daily learning environment and cultural practices of the group, planning and delivering pedagogical activities, and supporting each child’s individual learning in line with Helsinki’s early childhood and pre-school framework and the unit’s plan. Requirements include a degree in early childhood education or an approved qualification under Finnish law, good Finnish-language skills, and a police background check for work with children. The city offers a signing bonus of 2000 € upon starting a permanent position in 2026. This information is provided by the hiring unit’s principal and recruitment contacts.