Children’s instructor
Children’s instructors work in early childhood education and care and pre-primary education, such as day-care centres, family day-care and open early childhood education and care. Children’s instructors may also carry out work with school-age children and families. The work of children’s instructors is systematic and goal-oriented education, teaching, care and looking after. The profession requires pedagogical skills, communication abilities, and a sense of responsibility.
Municipalities within wellbeing services counties, parishes, organizations, and social services companies.
Children’s instructors require pedagogical skills, as they must understand the different stages of a child’s development and be able to apply the knowledge in practice. Pedagogical skills include the planning and implementation of different games, crafts and other activities to support the child’s cognitive, motor and social development.
Interaction skills are also important, as the work of a children’s instructor is based on continuous interaction with children, parents and other professionals. Children’s instructors must be able to listen, understand and respond to children’s needs and create a safe and trusting atmosphere. Nursing and caring skills are essential, as a children’s instructor must also be able to meet the physical needs of children. The ability to feel empathy towards children is a necessity for success in this profession.
Organisational skills and a systematic approach are needed in the planning and implementation of everyday routines and activities. The work emphasises cooperation skills, as a children’s instructors often work as part of a multidisciplinary team. In addition, this profession requires self-initiative and independence.
Children’s instructors must also be able to act calmly and decisively in challenging situations. This profession requires responsibility.
In vocational upper secondary schools, you can complete a vocational qualification in education and guidance. The qualification title is Childcare Worker. You can also complete a vocational qualification in social and health care, specializing in the care and education of children and young people. The qualification title is Practical Nurse. These qualifications can also be completed through an apprenticeship. With increased professional skills, it is possible to pursue a further vocational qualification in education and guidance.
In universities of applied sciences, you can complete a bachelor's degree in humanities, Community Educator (UAS).
Working in parish services requires membership in the church. A childcare worker has the qualifications of a childcare provider in early childhood education as stipulated by the Early Childhood Education Act and Decree. This area of expertise also provides eligibility for roles as a childcare worker in Finland's Evangelical Lutheran Church, working in early childhood education and family activities within the parish.
Additionally, the employer has the right to request a criminal record extract for inspection (Act on Checking the Criminal Background of Persons Working with Children [504/2002]).
Median salary
2366 €/mo
Private sector
2131 €/mo
Public sector
2396 €/mo
The data is based on the median income, meaning the amount of salary which is the middle of the salary amounts arranged in order of magnitude.
Source: Statistics Finland's structural statistics on wages and salaries