A new daycare center is emerging in Jomala

Möckelö day care centre opens its first two departments in spring 2025, with more opening as needed in autumn. The building was designed by ATOM architects in collaboration with a planning group that included pedagogical staff. The result is a modern two-storey building with four flexible departments: Molekylen, Algoritmen, Krumeluren and Mojängen – all designed to be adaptable to different groups of children.

– I hope we become a day care centre with high pedagogical competence, where the staff are active both indoors and outdoors, says director Sofia Olander.

A place for play and learning

Two departments are for children aged 1–3 years and two for older children aged 3–6 years. Each department has four educators with different areas of expertise: childcare workers and child supervisors, early childhood education teachers and social workers specialising in children.

The facility offers access to movement rooms, an art studio per department with creative possibilities, as well as quiet rest rooms. There are also spaces for special education teachers and children in need of extra support. In a quiet room with sensory materials, children can take a break or receive additional support.

– We want to create inspiring environments both indoors and outdoors. Free play is important, but children should also be able to choose between different activities connected to the pedagogy, says Sofia.

The day care centre has a large yard with its own living Christmas tree and is located close to the forest, the football pitch and a bathing beach. There is also an on-site kitchen with a cook and kitchen assistant, and meals are prepared on the premises.

Better balance, less stress

The municipality of Jomala currently runs seven day care centres – five larger and two smaller – with approximately 150 employees in total. Möckelö day care centre will be the latest addition, and Sofia looks forward to building an operation where both children and adults feel at home.

– It should be a workplace where we grow together. Small group work is important, but we are also open to new ideas and have plenty of room to adapt the activities to the children's needs, she says.

For anyone considering moving to Åland to work in childcare, there are several advantages. The working week is shorter – 38 hours per week including coffee breaks, compared to Sweden's 40 hours plus breaks.

– When I moved back home to Åland from Sweden, I could hardly believe it was true, says Sofia. I work fewer hours and I don't have to spend time commuting – it has made an enormous difference to my everyday life. I had a higher salary in Sweden, but the taxes were also higher there.

Andrea Björnhuvud, head of childcare in Jomala, agrees.
– We have great facilities, large yards, freshly cooked meals on site and a good staff-to-child ratio. That is a major advantage – for children, guardians and employees alike.

Work in childcare

Do you have a teaching qualification from Sweden? Then you first need to apply for recognition of your degree from the Government of Åland (read more below under "Good to know"). The process is usually quick – Sofia had her application approved in two weeks – but remember to apply in good time, as it can take longer. A one-time fee applies.

If you have a qualification from Finland, you do not need to apply for recognition.

Language is important – you need to be able to speak Swedish in order to obtain permanent employment. If your first language is something other than Swedish, you can start as a substitute, and receive support to develop your language skills in the meantime.