Educational worker, parish

Briefly explain what you do for a living.

I work as an educational worker in a daycare club and in a school children's recreational club, where I organise various activities for children, such as playing, singing and activities related to crafts. At the same time, we familiarise ourselves with the events of the church year, as well as Christian values and traditions.  I also direct family clubs with a focus on physical activity.

As an educational worker, I am also involved in confirmation school work where I participate in group guidance and lessons. I also work as a coordinator in outdoor activities assistance. The family can bring their children to the club point at an agreed time so that the parent is free to take care of other matters. In outdoor activities, I have 2–3 educational workers to assist me. I also participate in school break supervision.

We organise a wide range of events during the year, and I particularly participate in events aimed at families with children or at all age groups. At the events, my tasks vary. I can do crafts or bake waffles, for instance.

How have you ended up in the profession of your choice?

Working with children has always felt very natural to me, and I considered working in a day-care centre. When I studied as a child instructor, I completed on-the-job learning periods in parishes. I became enthusiastic about the versatile opportunities offered to children by the parishes. I got a job at a parish immediately after graduation, and I'm still on that path.

Describe your typical working day or week.

My regular working week mainly consists of club activities. Before the club starts, I make the necessary preparations. After the club, I clean and prepare for the next task or plan future clubs and events together with others. Sometimes I work more with children, whereas other times I spend more time planning and preparing for future activities.

I also work on break supervision duties at schools. During breaks, I play games and talk to the children. The week often also includes organising outdoor activities assistance for families. Outdoor activities take two hours, and during that time we go on a trip with the children, for example. My working week also includes office work and meetings.

What kind of work environment or working hours do you have?

I work at the parish club facilities, at the office and at schools. It is necessary to use my own car because I often have to move from one place to another during the day. My work sometimes involves a lot of outdoor activities.

As a rule, I work between 8:00 and 16:30 on weekdays, but I also occasionally do evening and weekend work.

What kind of competence or qualities are required in the profession?

In this profession, you must be familiar with the growth and development of children and young people, and consider their needs in order to support and guide them. Educational workers are required to be gentle, determined, creative and flexible. If you have special expertise related to music, crafts or physical activity, for example, you can use it in your work. The work also requires an understanding of family diversity.

What is the best thing about your profession?

The best part of this work is the diversity. I like to make extensive use of my competence in many different ways. I also enjoy working with other members of the parish. The work provides the opportunity to challenge oneself and grow professionally.

What are the downsides of the profession or what seems challenging?

Sometimes I feel inadequate, when there is a rush. Cooperation with customers does not always go as desired, but the aim is to solve the challenges in the best possible way.

What would you tell a person considering the profession of an educational worker?

As an educational worker, I get to participate in children’s everyday joys and sorrows and support their learning. The work requires being present in different situations. This is certainly not a neat indoor job, but that is why it is so rewarding.

How do you see the future of your profession?

The future looks bright, as the operating environment of early childhood education and care has developed over time and is able to renew further and meet the needs of customers.