Project information:
Official name of the project: Osaamista varhaiskasvatukseen! -Vaka-sosionomiksi työn ohessa (OSAVO) -hanke
Duration of the project: 1.4.2026 - 31.12.2027
Project coordinator: VAMK
Project partners: City of Vaasa, Korsholm Municipality, Laihia Municipality, Pilke Daycare Centres
Funding: SECLE
Budget: 182 000 €
Contact person in VAMK:
Anne-Mari Tornberg, Specialist, Learning Design (RDI and Business Unit)
Project description
The OSAVO project, Osaamista varhaiskasvatukseen! Vaka-sosionomiksi työn ohessa, develops and pilots a work-based study pathway to qualify as a Bachelor of Social Services specialising in early childhood education and care. The programme is designed especially for childcare workers in early childhood education who want to strengthen their skills and work towards a Bachelor of Social Services degree. The staffing structure in early childhood education and care will change in 2030. From then on, at least two-thirds of daycare centre staff must be qualified as early childhood education teachers or social services professionals. In the Vaasa region, a need to train more Bachelor of Social Services graduates specialising in early childhood education and care has been identified. At the same time, the discontinuation of adult education allowance has made it more difficult for people already working in early childhood education to pursue further education.
In the OSAVO project, studies combine classroom teaching, independent study and workplace learning. This allows students to develop their skills in their own working environment and apply what they learn directly in their daily work. Students’ prior learning is recognised, and they can also acquire and demonstrate their competence through their regular work tasks. Workplace mentors support students in combining their studies, workplace learning and professional development.
The project is funded by the Centre for Continuing Learning and Employment (Jotpa), and the total budget for the project is €182,000, of which VAMK’s share is €72,800.
Goals
The aim of the project is to develop and pilot a flexible study pathway to qualify as a Bachelor of Social Services specialising in early childhood education and care, while improving opportunities for early childhood education professionals to develop their skills alongside their work. The project also aims to strengthen cooperation between education and working life and to develop a model in which workplace learning and mentoring support degree studies.
Results
The project will result in a piloted and documented work-based education model that enables students to work towards a Bachelor of Social Services degree specialising in early childhood education and care while continuing to work. The model combines flexible study arrangements, recognition of prior learning and workplace learning.
The project will also produce a mentoring model that supports students’ learning and professional development. In addition, shared practices will be established between VAMK and early childhood education employers to support workplace learning and staff competence development. The developed models will be documented and can also be used in future education programmes.
