Kindergarten class teacher for special education sought at Østerby Centre

If you have a passion for creating good teaching for children with special needs, then you are the one we are looking for.

We are seeking a full-time kindergarten class leader at 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 includes pupils with significant cognitive and physical functional impairments, language difficulties, and a need for specially organized teaching and support. Several pupils have a very low cognitive level, while a few complete the compulsory school leaving examinations in selected subjects. What unites the pupils is the need for a specialized, structured and relational approach that supports their academic, social and personal development.

We work with a basis in the goals of the Danish Public School Act and focus on creating opportunities for participation, development and learning for all students. Our goal is to strengthen the students’ competencies so they can manage their own lives as much as possible 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). The school day runs between 8:00 and 14:00. Teaching and pedagogical activities are carried out in close collaboration between teachers, pedagogues, pedagogical assistants and occupational therapists.

Who are you?

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

A key prerequisite for work in the early years is that you can adjust your expectations and demands to each student’s developmental level. You should have a playful approach and consciously use play, relationships and shared activities as pedagogical tools in daily life, even with students who are older in age but developmentally have needs, interests and reaction patterns of younger children.

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

As a kindergarten class leader, you are responsible for conducting the class teaching and for preparing the written documentation, including student plans and progress assessments. You will also participate 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, with 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, academic progress and development go hand in hand, and where the individual student’s potentials and needs are central.

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 exudes patience and at the same time can create structure and overview in a complex daily life. You have a good 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 frameworks for the students’ development.

Our philosophy

At ØsterbyCentret we believe that all children can learn and develop. Each child is valuable and has something unique to contribute. We create the framework for a community where diversity is a strength and where friendships can bloom. 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 lively children, each with something special to offer
• Dedicated colleagues who dare to stand by themselves and each other
• Management that trusts your professionalism and judgment
• An Arbeitsmiljø (work environment) characterized by humor, flexibility and a positive view of people

Additional 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. Please feel free to 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 on 27 October 2026.

Start date 1 December 2026 or as soon as possible.

Before you are considered for the position, references will be requested.

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

Upon appointment to the position, a criminal record and a child safeguarding certificate will be obtained.

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