Substitute teachers working in the ASÕP program receive higher pay than regular teachers. They can work up to 35 hours per week, with an hourly wage of 16.42 euros. This is higher than the minimum wage for teachers.
154 kindergartens participate in the program. Each month, around 3,000 work hours are substituted, and nearly 150 substitute teachers find work. Although the program's website states that substitute teachers must have higher education, those who are still studying are also accepted.
ASÕP manager Gerli Neppi says that 4% of program participants are people pursuing higher education. They must have experience working with children or completed pedagogical training. In some cases, those with only secondary education are also accepted, provided they have at least 150 hours of pedagogy training and one year of experience working with children.
Substitute teachers must undergo background checks. Their records are checked in the criminal register, and monthly checks are conducted to ensure they can continue working. The final decision is still made by the kindergarten or school.
The ASÕP program is a partner of the Ministry of Education. It was established in 2017 and helps address the teacher shortage. The program's council includes important figures, such as Pirkko Valge, head of the SA Heateo foundation.