Espoo supports professional development in early childhood education – Tiina and Sini share their journeys

Early childhood education teacher Tiina Koski had worked in her current position for years with the qualification of a children’s instructor. When her employer offered to support her studies to become an early childhood education teacher, Koski jumped at the opportunity. The city first supported her studies at open university through its scholarship fund and later granted her four months of paid leave to complete her degree.

In total, her studies took 2.5 years. Earning her degree brought new joy and confidence to her work.

“I wanted to deepen my knowledge of the field. Now I pay much more attention to the pedagogical aspects of our activities. I have a more consistent approach to my work.”

Previously, Koski was a childcarer, and about a year ago, she completed her bachelor’s degree in education.

“Espoo was very generous in granting me time off to study,” Koski praises.

Sini Rakennus also obtained the qualification of an early childhood education teacher alongside her work. Previously, she had worked in the restaurant industry and as a teaching assistant and family day care provider, holding a childcarer’s qualification.

“Initially, I just studied the basics at open university. I was still undecided because I thought I wouldn’t be admitted to university,” Rakennus says.

Gaining her degree also boosted her professional pride.

“I worked as an unqualified teacher for about three years. I felt that I couldn’t do my job properly without the right education. That’s why the degree is so important to me,” Rakennus explains.

After earning her degree, she now feels more confident in justifying her pedagogical decisions. For employees, education is an investment in themselves.

Tiina Koski and Sini Rakennus work at Kirstin päiväkoti in Espoo’s Suvela, which has 15 early childhood education teachers. In the multicultural work environment, the children’s support needs are diverse, which makes the work both challenging and interesting.

The director of Kirstin päiväkoti, Ritva Korpinen, explains the reasoning behind their education-friendly approach.

“Ultimately, it all comes down to the fact that we have had a nationwide shortage of early childhood education teachers for years.”

It is common for non-qualified employees to work as early childhood education teachers. Qualified teachers are an asset to the work community.

“The level of pedagogical discussion in the unit rises as the staff furthers their education. This is evident in both coffee table discussions and more formal meetings,” Korpinen says.

Espoo supports professional development in various ways and offers paid leave for studies leading to a degree in education. The city encourages childcarers to obtain the qualification of a teacher or social pedagogue in early childhood education. The city also encourages teachers to obtain the qualification of a special education teacher and supports directors of day care centres who want to complete a master’s degree in education in accordance with the requirements of the Act on Early Childhood Education and Care.

Espoo offers individuals without any prior training in the field the opportunity to train as a practical nurse through an apprenticeship.

In addition, the city encourages all employees to continuously develop their skills and provides further training opportunities. The city’s scholarship fund supports studies pursued during free time, for example by covering course fees for basic studies in education.

For many, the support provided by the City of Espoo is an important incentive to further their education.

“I’ve heard many people say that they would like to continue their studies, but very few can fully step away from working life to become full-time students. Your income drops quite drastically,” Ritva Korpinen says.

“I truly admire everyone who studies alongside their job. It’s a big effort,” she adds.

Sini Rakennus encourages anyone to pursue further studies. The opportunities are particularly strong in Espoo’s Early Childhood Education Unit, which both teachers praise as an employer. There is a strong sense of community at the workplace.

“My day care centre is a challenging environment, but I enjoy challenges. They push you to think, grow, and engage in self-reflection. There’s no risk of professional stagnation,” Rakennus describes.

“And my favourite thing about this place is that we laugh a lot,” Koski adds.