The City of Helsinki tightened its substitute staffing arrangements without informing parents. Photo: Emmi Korhonen / Lehtikuva
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The City of Helsinki has limited the use of substitute staff in municipal daycare centres without informing families, prompting concern from educators and a formal complaint to the city council.
Earlier this year, the city implemented internal cost-saving measures requiring regional manager approval before substitutes can be hired to cover staff absences. The new policy prioritises reassigning staff from other daycare units to manage shortages, even in cases of planned absences.
An internal directive issued to daycare managers instructed that substitutes should only be hired under specific conditions. In practice, this has led to many absences going uncovered or being handled through staff transfers.
The Association of Early Childhood Education Professionals in Helsinki has submitted a statement to the city council criticising the approach. The association argues that the policy is undermining the quality of care and increasing pressure on existing staff.
Daycare managers have been directed to adjust staffing internally and avoid requesting substitutes unless absolutely necessary. This includes situations where educators are absent due to illness or training.
Parents, however, have not been informed of the staffing changes. The city has made no public announcement about the new policy or its potential impact on group sizes and staff-to-child ratios.
The lack of communication has drawn criticism from educators, who say transparency is essential when policies affect daily care arrangements. They warn that reduced staffing flexibility risks lowering the standard of early childhood education and care.
The association’s statement urges the city to review the policy and ensure consistent staffing levels across its daycare system. It also calls for greater openness in decision-making that affects families and employees.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
