Early Years Teacher

Espoon kaupunki; Espoo; On-site; EUR 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Perkkaa Daycare in Espoo seeks a licensed early years teacher for a permanent position in the preschool group. You will work with preschool-age children in a small team and mentor colleagues, developing a safe, participatory environment and strong community spirit.

You will lead your group, collaborate with other early childhood staff, plan pedagogy, and contribute to ongoing development with mentoring support from Espoo City. The role emphasizes open discussion, equity, and professional growth.

Qualifications

• Eligibility: at least a bachelor’s degree in education with specialization in early childhood education, or polytechnic degree in social services/health care (early childhood education).
• Newly graduating early childhood education teachers are welcome to apply.
• Experience in diverse early childhood settings and sensitive interaction with children and families is valued.

Responsibilities

• Build operating culture and learning environment for the child group.
• Plan pedagogy, implement, develop and assess learning activities.
• Lead the team and promote a positive working atmosphere with cross-group collaboration.

Skills

Team leadership

Pedagogical planning

Cross-group collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in education (early childhood)

Polytechnic degree in social services/health care (early childhood education)

Job description

We are seeking a licensed early years teacher for a permanent position at Perkkaa Daycare in the preschool group. In the coming season you will work with preschool-age children in a team with another early years teacher and a childminder. It is important to us that each child is met as an individual and grows in a safe, encouraging and participatory environment. Our colleagues help, guide and mentor in daily situations – and we have received a lot of praise for this. Perkkaa Daycare is located in Leppävaara with excellent transport connections. The location enables diverse learning environments in early childhood education and preschool. The daycare’s operation began January 2024. The management structure consists of a director, deputy director, broad-spectrum special education teachers and a language and culture teacher forming the leadership team. Our facilities are spacious and bright, suitable for many kinds of activities, including studios, a nail art room, a gym and comfortable group rooms for 12 children. The richness of Perkkaa Daycare is a diverse operating culture, where community, positivity and tolerance are present in every moment for both children and adults. We value open discussion about shared meaningful matters. We focus on sensitive interaction with the child, joint pedagogical planning and cross-group collaboration in various ways. In our work community every contribution is an important part of the whole. You have the opportunity to develop your own skills and learn with the entire work community. According to Espoo city’s work mood survey, our unit is recommended as a good workplace. As part of a large workplace, teachers at Perkkaa have strong collegial support, including regular pedagogical teacher teams. In addition we provide Espoo city’s mentoring program support when you start work as an early years teacher. Through mentoring you will get to know Espoo’s early childhood education and learn to recognise your strengths and abilities. At the same time you gain material for your professional growth and well-being at work. You will have the opportunity to discuss with an experienced mentor about the joys and challenges of the early stages of your career and get to know other colleagues starting in early childhood education.

As an early years teacher you will be responsible for building the operating culture and learning environment of your child group, planning pedagogy, implementation, development and assessment, and supporting each child’s individual learning in accordance with Espoo’s early childhood education and preschool plan, the unit’s action plan and the child’s LEOPS. The group plan is an important part of your work and accompanies you in everyday life. You will act as the leader of your team, and teamwork is important to you; you will also promote a good working atmosphere by example. A key part of your job is strengthening community and cross-group collaboration. In collaboration with other early childhood education staff you ensure every child has a good day every day in early childhood education. Here you will get to experiment and act. You can influence the contents of your own workdays by brainstorming activities with children and other educators.

Workplace name and address

Perkkaan Daycare, Luutnantinkuja 2, 02600 Espoo

Working hours

38 h 15 min/week

The position is permanent from 01.10.2026 or as agreed.

We review applications and interview applicants during the application period. We will make a selection as soon as a suitable person is found.

Eligibility

Eligibility under Varhaiskasvatuslaki (540/2018).

At least a bachelor’s degree in education with specialization in early childhood education, or a Polytechnic degree in social services/health care (early childhood education), or an equivalent earlier vocational qualification such as a kindergarten teacher or social educator. You are also required to have qualification to provide preschool education (as per relevant decree). Newly graduating early childhood education teachers are welcome to apply. The interviews will be held weeks 36 and 37.

We value experience from diverse early childhood settings and the ability to meet children and their parents with sensitivity. A positive and strength-based mindset helps in daily, changing situations.

Welcome to our team to foster a responsible and caring new generation! Espoo City – a pioneer in reform, a city of skills development. We offer professional development and flexible practices to balance work and life. Our operations are based on openness, trust, and respectful interaction. We are committed to equality and welcome professionals of different ages, backgrounds and language backgrounds.

For questions about the position and application process, contact the person listed for more information. For questions regarding special needs please contact: [e-mail].

Excellent Finnish spoken and written proficiency, Familiarity with governing documents guiding operations, Strong communication and collaboration skills, Constructive work approach, Strong commitment to the job, Ability to self-manage, Eligibility under the Child Welfare/Kindergarten Act (540/2018) for teaching preschool, Bachelor’s degree in education including preschool teacher training, or health/social care polytechnic degree (early childhood education) or equivalent prior top-level qualification (e.g., kindergarten teacher or social educator), Eligibility to provide preschool education (as per decree), Fresh graduates in early childhood education teachers welcomed