To work in kindergartens in Norway

There are several different professions that can work in kindergartens in Norway. Only the professions of head of kindergarten and educational supervisor in kindergartens are regulated by law, meaning that recognition of the education is required.

At the Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training (UDIR), you can read more about kindergartens in Norway and who works there.

Head of kindergarten and educational supervisor

To work in the position as educational supervisor (pedagogisk leder), one must have a kindergarten teacher education or equivalent. The Norwegian kindergarten teacher education is a three-year bachelor's degree that qualifies one to work both as a head of kindergarten and educational supervisor. On utdanning.no, you can read more about the Norwegian kindergarten teacher education.

Other positions in the kindergarten

For pedagogical staff or assistants, there are no specific educational requirements, and it is up to the kindergarten to decide if the person is qualified for such a position. In these positions, people can, for example, have a trade certificate as child care and youth worker or other education in pedagogy, special education, or similar. It is also possible to work in a kindergarten without formal education or with education from other fields.

Applying for a job in a kindergarten

You can find relevant kindergarten teacher positions in both the private and public sectors on, for example, arbeidsplassen.no. All kindergarten positions in the public sector must be advertised. You can also look for relevant job postings on the website of your municipality and county council. The job posting will describe the qualifications required for the job.

Career guidance

On the website Karriereveiledning.no, you will find advice and tools for choosing education or a job. You can also get free guidance via chat or phone. If you want to meet a career counselor in person, you can contact one of the county career centers. This service is also free.

Course about Norwegian schools and kindergartens

The Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training (Udir) offers a free course on the Norwegian kindergarten and school system, providing basic knowledge about Norwegian kindergartens and schools. The course is digital and can be useful for anyone who wants to learn more about Norwegian kindergartens and schools. You will learn about practices, culture, and values that are central to Norwegian kindergartens, after-school programs (SFO), and schools.