Kindergarten class teacher for special education sought at Østerby Centre

If your heart lies in creating good education for children with special needs, then you are the one we are looking for.

We are seeking a full-time kindergarten class teacher for ØsterbyCentret as of 1 December 2026 or as soon as possible.

About ØsterbyCentret

ØsterbyCentret is a special education offering for students with general and extensive learning difficulties. The department houses students with significant cognitive and physical impairments, language difficulties and a need for specially arranged teaching and support. Several students have a very low cognitive level, while some complete the compulsory school leaving exams in selected subjects. Common to the students is the need for a specialized, structured and relational approach that supports their academic, social and personal development.

We work with the aims of the Danish Folkeskole Act and focus on creating participation opportunities, development and learning for all students. Our goal is to strengthen the students' competencies so that they, as far as possible, can master their own lives and participate in meaningful communities.

ØsterbyCentret consists of 105 students and 55 staff members.

Opening hours are from 6:30 to 16:30 and include both school and after-school care (SFO) offerings. The school day runs between 8:00 and 14:00. Teaching and pedagogical activities are carried out in close collaboration between teachers, educators, pedagogical assistants and occupational therapists.

Who are you?

We are looking for a kindergarten class teacher who is trained as a pedagogue and meets the students with clarity and high professional standards. You must be able to maintain calm and an overview in a daily life where the students' needs vary, and where situations may require both flexibility, patience and resilience. The work presupposes that you can act professionally and with care – also when the students are most emotionally or behaviorally challenged.

A key prerequisite for working in the lower school is that you can adjust your expectations and requirements to each individual student's developmental level. You should have a playful approach and consciously use play, relationships and joint activities as pedagogical tools in everyday life, also with students who are older in age but developmentally have needs, interests and response patterns similar to younger children.

We expect you to engage in the work with all students, including those who need shielded learning environments and close adult support. It requires both mental and physical resilience as well as an understanding of working with a complex target group with extensive support needs.

As a kindergarten class teacher you will be responsible for the class teaching as well as preparing the written documentation, including student plans and status statements. In addition you will be involved in close parent collaboration as an essential part of the role.

We are looking for a colleague who

Has knowledge of special education and curiosity about professional development. You work systematically and relationally, based on an appreciative approach and meet students, parents and colleagues with credibility, respect and high professional integrity. You actively contribute to creating a learning environment where well-being, professionalism and development go hand in hand, and where each student's potentials and needs are in focus.

You understand the importance of systematic documentation and follow-up and can work independently while being open to reflection on and development of your own practice. You use conflict-de-escalation strategies and work from a low arousal approach that supports the students' well-being and participation opportunities.

We would like to meet

A colleague who radiates patience while also being able to create structure and overview in a complex daily life. You have a big heart and meet the children with genuine interest and respect. At the same time you are clear and present in your communication and manage to balance empathy with professionalism and calm. Your personality is characterized by natural authority, warmth and the ability to create safe frames for the students' development.

Our core belief

At ØsterbyCentret we believe that all children can learn and develop. Every child is valuable and has something unique to contribute. We create the framework for a community where diversity is a strength, and where friendships have the opportunity to flourish. Our students invite us to look beyond their behavior and our view of children is that children do well if they can.

At ØsterbyCentret you will meet

• Unique and life-loving children, each with something special to offer
• Dedicated colleagues who dare to stand by themselves and by one another
• Management that trusts your professional judgment
• An work environment characterized by humor, flexibility and a positive view of people

Further information

If you want to know more about the job, you are welcome to contact department head Katrine Kousgaard at tel. 23 23 76 89. You may also send a text message and you will be contacted as soon as possible.

Link to the school's website: https://osterbyskolen.aula.dk/#nolink

Application deadline is Sunday 25 October 2026 and interviews are expected to be held 27 October 2026.

Start date 1 December 2026 or as soon as possible.

Before you are recommended for employment in the position, references will be obtained.

Salary and terms of employment follow the agreement between KL and DLF. If you are invited to an interview, you will be informed of the position's salary level.

Upon employment in the position, a criminal record and a child protection clearance will be obtained.

The application is sent online - remember to attach your application and CV as well as other relevant documents.

Department: Østerbyskolen

Closing date: 25 October 2026

Location: Øster Alle, 92B, 6600, Vejen, Denmark