Early Childhood Education Teachers wanted in Helsinki, Finland!
Are you passionate about nurturing children's learning and development? Are you dreaming of a fulfilling career in early childhood education and ready for a life-changing adventure?
The City of Helsinki is looking for dedicated Early Childhood Education Teachers to join their Finnish-speaking public daycare centres.
Hello, early childhood education teachers!
Are you interested in working in a country renowned for providing the best education in the world? Join a workplace that values your strengths and pedagogical expertise, and recognizes the potential both in you and the children!
Your work in practice
The City of Helsinki offers permanent positions for Early Childhood Education Teachers in Finnish-speaking public early childhood education centres. The daycare centres are located across Helsinki’s major districts, and you will start your role full-time as a qualified teacher from day one.
As an Early Childhood Education Teacher in Finland, you support the holistic development of children aged 0–6 in an inclusive, child-centered environment. In Finland, we value teachers’ autonomy. While the national curriculum provides principles and goals (“WHAT”), you as a teacher utilise your professional expertise and judgment to plan, explore and implement different pedagogical solutions (“HOW”). Working closely in a multi-professional team, you share responsibility for children’s learning, safety, and well-being.
A typical week includes:
- Planning pedagogical activities based on children's interests and development
- Implementing play-based learning both indoors and outdoors
- Observing, assessing and documenting children's learning
- Individual and small group work supporting specific goals
- Conversations with families about their child's development
- Team collaboration and professional reflection
- Most importantly, engaging with children daily and see as they take their first steps and develop right before your eyes
Your core responsibilities as an ECE Teacher:
- Plan, implement, and assess play-based learning activities based on children's individual development plans and emerging interests
- Lead your team's pedagogical work—you coordinate the educational approach with childcare nurses in your group
- Observe and document children's learning and development through methods you design
- Create and update individual learning plans for each child in collaboration with families
- Collaborate with colleagues, families, and multidisciplinary partners (special needs teachers, social workers, healthcare professionals)
- Promote active involvement of children and families—children participate in planning, families are partners
- Design learning environments indoors and outdoors where children learn through play and exploration
- As an ECE Teacher you work 38.25 hours weekly (typical shift 7 hours 39 minutes). Our daycare centres can be open between 6:15-17:30. The exact opening and closing times depend on families’ needs in each daycare.
ECEC in Finland is part of the national education system and is based on an integrated approach to care, education and teaching, the so-called “educare” model. In practice, this means that:
- Every moment is pedagogical - meals, getting dressed, outdoor play etc.
- Play-based learning: Play is the foundation of learning, not a reward after "real work"
- Full-day pedagogy: Learning happens throughout the day
- Nature as classroom: Regular outdoor learning in all seasons
- Child agency: Children's interests and questions shape learning
Read more about ECEC in Finland from the Finnish National Agency’s of Education pages: Early childhood education and care in Finland.
Whether you're an experienced ECE teacher or newly qualified, we would be delighted to hear from you!
We are looking for ECE Teachers who have good interpersonal skills and connect well with people—colleagues, children, and families. As a teacher, we hope you bring genuine openness to learning and professional growth, whether that means exploring new pedagogical approaches or tackling the Finnish language.
You will love this role if you:
- Want to use your pedagogical degree fully
- Want to be trusted to make decisions based on your expertise
- Believe small child groups matter and they make quality pedagogy possible
- Believe children learn best through play and exploration
- See pedagogical value in every moment
- Are curious, reflective, eager to develop your practice
- Are resilient when things get tough and know that working together—sharing ideas, giving and asking for help, and learning from mistakes—leads to better outcomes than trying to get everything perfect on your own
Qualification and other requirements
- You have a work permit in the European Union.
- You have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.
We provide assistance with the degree recognition with the Finnish educational authorities (read more about the procedure and more about the ECE degrees in particular).
- You provide an extract from the criminal record as referred to in section 6 (2) of the Criminal Records Act of Finland, because 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.
- You provide proof of not having respiratory tuberculosis.
You are not required to know the Finnish language at the time of their job application The language training will be conducted remotely, and you can complete it alongside your current work, starting from April 2026. Attendance and active participation in the training is essential for learning the language.
Applicants should have a genuine interest in relocating to Finland. The language training we provide before moving includes comprehensive information about Finland and Finnish society. We want to help you settle settling in the new surrounding as smooth as possible. We guide and assist recruited teachers throughout the whole relocation process in February—March 2027. We provide relocation support also for your family members who are moving with you.
Competitive salary and excellent benefits:
- Starting salary €3224,86/month (gross)
- + 3–8% increase in base salary depending on work experience
- At least 24 days of paid holiday per year + public holidays
- Additional holiday bonus in July, ∼40–60% of the monthly salary
- Public transport, wellness, culture and sport perks (550€/year)
About the employer:
The City of Helsinki is Finland’s largest employer, with over 37,000 dedicated professionals across four divisions and central administration. Together, we deliver high-quality services to residents and help build a foundation for good living in Helsinki.
Within our Education Division, nearly 15,000 education professionals shape young lives through early childhood and pre-primary education, basic education, vocational schools, upper secondary schools, and adult education centers. Our approach to learning emphasizes play and discovery, encouraging children to explore and develop vital life skills in a joyful, engaging atmosphere.
Helsinki Early Childhood Education system consists of approximately 300 Finnish-speaking and 50 Swedish-speaking units. Currently there are about 6,000 employees engaged in public early childhood education in Helsinki.
The City of Helsinki offers comprehensive employee benefits, including private occupational health services and an annual ePass worth 550€ for sports, culture, wellbeing, and public transport. You will have access to a wide range of exercise classes and even our employees' own recreational island! To maintain your professional development, you have a wide range of courses available in our course catalogue, covering topics such as play-based language learning, supporting diverse learners, child protection, and inclusive pedagogical practices. Read more about the City of Helsinki as an employer Why work for the City? | City of Helsinki.
Why Teaching in Finland?
Finland is internationally recognized for its progressive, child-centered education system—one that values play, creativity, and individualized learning. As an ECEC teacher, you will have the opportunity to work within a highly respected pedagogical framework that places children’s well-being and development at the center. Teaching is a valued profession in Finland, and educators are supported with time for planning, collaboration, and continuous learning. Low child-to-adult ratios and a strong sense of professional autonomy allow you to truly focus on each child's growth and potential.
Beyond the classroom, Finland offers an exceptional quality of life. With its deep connection to nature, safe communities, and balanced work culture, the country provides a supportive environment for both professional and personal well-being. Teachers benefit from generous vacation time, structured workdays, and access to integration support such as language training and family services.
Get acquainted with Yaiza, who is currently working as a special needs teacher in early childhood education in Helsinki: Youtube video about an ECE teacher from Spain, and Melissa who is working in a Swedish-speaking daycare of the City of Helsinki: Video interview of an ECE teacher from Spain.
Why Living in Helsinki?
Helsinki, the vibrant capital of Finland, is home to our daycare centers and offers an exceptional quality of life. Finland has ranked as the world’s happiest country for eight years running, thanks in part to its employee-friendly work hours and strong support for work-life balance (read more).
In Helsinki, you’ll experience a secure, welcoming city with world-class, inclusive education, where every child receives free meals and materials. The city’s high-quality healthcare is free for residents, underscoring its commitment to equality and accessibility for all.
Helsinki offers an ideal work-life balance, thanks to efficient public transportation and short commute times, providing you with more time to enjoy your free hours. With quick access to parks, cultural sites, and recreational areas, it’s easy to make the most of your time outside of work.
Famous for its inspiring architecture and lively new districts, Helsinki blends urban beauty with easy access to nature. Scenic parks, islands, bike paths, and even winter skiing provide a backdrop for an active lifestyle. Plus, with direct flights to global destinations and ferry routes to Tallinn and Stockholm, you’re always well-connected. Helsinki’s diverse cultural mix makes it easy to settle in and feel at home. Read more and watch a video about Helsinki.
