All children under school-age have a subjective right to early childhood education and care (ECEC). The parents of the child decide whether or not their child participates in ECEC. After the parental leave period, when the child is usually 9 months, parents have several options to choose from: ECEC centres, family-based childcare or for example clubs or playground activities. If the parents choose to take care of their child at home, they are entitled to home care leave and allowance until the child turns three years old.
Children painting with water colours
Photo: Aleksi Kuitunen

The municipalities are responsible for arranging the ECEC services. The quality of ECEC is improved through systematic evaluation. Families can also opt for publicly subsidised private ECEC settings.  

Participation in ECEC is subject to a fee which depends on family income and the number of children. Client fees in municipal ECEC cover about 10 percent of the total costs. The maximum fee charged for ECEC is now EUR 335 and the minimum fee charged is EUR 32 (year 2026).

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The groups of children may be formed in different ways, for instance, by taking into account the children's ages, sibling's relationships or needs for support. The groups must be pedagogically appropriate, and provisions on staffing and maximum group sizes are considered in forming them. In ECEC centres, pre-primary education for six-year-olds often takes place in separate groups. A group with children in pre-primary education may also include younger children in ECEC. Pre-primary education for six-year-olds in comprehensive schools can be provided either in a separate pre-primary group or integrated into a group of pupils in compulsory education.

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The local curriculum for early childhood education and care obligates to renew and develop the operating culture of ECEC. When the working and operating methods are evaluated it is essential to consider how they will best support children’s growth, development and learning. The starting point for decisions must comply with the goals of the local curriculum and always take into account the child’s best interests. The principles of developing the operating culture provide a backbone for supervisory work and the joint development of work communities.

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The quality of ECEC is improved through systematic evaluation. The evaluation is carried out at both national and local levels. Among other things, ECEC providers must evaluate the local curricula and their implementation. When assessing a child's own early childhood education and care plan, particular focus is placed on how the activities are arranged and how pedagogy is implemented. The child’s plan should be evaluated together with the guardians at least once a year. Evaluation helps make the strengths and development needs of ECEC visible.

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