Which Early Childhood Education Programs Are Offered In Finland?

Early childhood education and care (ECEC) is a crucial stage in a child’s development and learning journey, laying the foundation for lifelong learning. The Finnish ECEC is based on an integrated approach to care, education, and teaching, known as the “educare” model, which emphasizes pedagogy. The curriculum in Finland focuses on play-based learning, free discovery, collaboration, interaction, initiative, concentration, and learning to take responsibility for one’s actions.

The right to early childhood education in Finland begins at nine months old. In 2019, the Ministry of Education and Culture in Finland tasked the National Education Evaluation Centre (FINEEC) with creating research-based quality. The Finnish Early Childhood Education Curriculum is based on best practices grounded in research and practical experience, including play-based learning and individualized learning.

Municipalities offer municipal early childhood education at day-care centers and private day-care centers. The world-renowned Finnish early childhood education model emphasizes the child’s perspective to support children’s learning and development. Finnish kindergartens offer play-based learning, quality outdoor time, and dedicated learning. Pre-primary education is compulsory in Finland, and children must attend it before compulsory schooling begins.

Studying early childhood education in Finland is a great choice, as there are four universities offering Bachelor’s degrees. The Finnish ECEC model is based on an integrated approach to education and care, known as the “EduCare” model.

How to become an early childhood educator in Finland?

In Finland, early years teachers must hold a university or applied sciences degree, while daycare center care-givers and instructors must have at least an upper secondary level qualification in social welfare and healthcare. Family daycare givers must have a vocational qualification in family daycare. Pre-primary schools and daycare centers in Finland have an action plan based on the national core curriculum on ECEC. Each child’s individual early childhood education and care plan is created in collaboration with their parents and reviewed regularly.

The relationship between parents and the carer or educator is crucial for a child’s well-being. The right mix of care, tacit education, and specific teaching promotes children’s positive self-image, expressive and interactive skills, and thinking. For example, kindergarten teachers or carers read out loud to children daily, developing their imagination, verbal, and cognitive skills without explicitly teaching them to read.

Which country is best for early childhood educators?

International students can pursue early childhood education courses in various countries like the United States, the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. These courses offer exposure to diverse cultures, world-class faculty, and hands-on learning experiences. Studying abroad can also help develop independence, adaptability, and cross-cultural communication skills, which are highly valued in today’s globalized world. The courses cover various subjects, making them an excellent choice for international students seeking a comprehensive education.

What is the education system in Finland for kids?

Finland mandates all permanent children to complete the basic education syllabus, which typically begins at age 7 and lasts nine years. Public comprehensive schools are free of charge, and the Finnish National Agency for Education sets curriculum criteria for local curricula. Municipalities are responsible for providing basic education, with pupils allocated to nearby schools or applying to private comprehensive schools. Most comprehensive schools in Finland are public, but private schools are also available.

Can a foreigner get free education in Finland?

Finland offers free university education, even for international students, with some exceptions. The country’s higher education system is highly regarded as one of the world’s best, with eight of its universities appearing in the 2012/13 QS World University Rankings. The highest positions go to the University of Helsinki, University of Turku, Aalto University, and University of Oulu. Finland is also known for its wide open spaces, particularly its lakes, islands, and ski resorts.

The country’s official tourism site promises a lack of traffic jams, football hooligans, royalty, smog, slums, intrusive salesmen, and crowded beaches. Finland’s higher education system is a testament to its commitment to quality education and its commitment to a sustainable and inclusive society.

Is early childhood education free in Finland?

In Finland, children must attend pre-primary education in the year before compulsory schooling begins, which is free of charge. Early childhood education and care are provided to children under school age. Compulsory schooling begins when a child turns seven. Permanently living children in Finland must attend one year of pre-primary education or other activities to improve their learning ability and development. The guardian is responsible for ensuring the child attends.

Children are entitled to basic education free of charge, even if they do not live permanently in a municipality or the municipality is not their residence. This means that children temporarily staying in Finland also have pre-primary education free of charge.

What curriculum is used in Finland?

Finland follows a national core curriculum for all schools, with local authorities and schools creating their own curricula within this framework. After compulsory basic education, students can choose between general or vocational upper secondary education, which usually takes three years and qualifies them for higher education. Vocational education is popular in Finland, with over 40% of the relevant age group starting studies immediately after basic education.

The selection of students for upper secondary school is based on their grade point average for theoretical subjects in the basic education certificate, entrance and aptitude tests, and points awarded for hobbies and other relevant activities.

How long is preschool in Finland?

Finnish Early Education is a compulsory program for children under school age, typically starting from 9 months old after parental leave. It is provided either by municipal or private day-care centers or at the child’s home. Permanent residents of Finland can apply for Child Care Allowances from Kela kela. fi/child-care-allowances. Preschool education is compulsory in Finland, with children attending preschool for one year before comprehensive education begins.

Preschools are organized by municipalities and take place in either a municipal kindergarten or private child care program. The average preschool day is a 4-hour half-day, including a meal, and is free-of-charge for permanent residents. Full-day child care is also available, but not completely free but heavily subsidized. Children whose native language is not Finnish or Swedish will study Finnish or Swedish as a foreign language, and they can study their native language if available.

Preschool education enrolment can be applied for at the local municipal website. There is an increasing demand for preschools and kindergartens teaching primarily in languages other than Finnish, with a growing number of schools in response.

Do kids in Finland go to preschool?

Finnish Early Education is a compulsory program for children under school age, typically starting from 9 months old after parental leave. It is provided either by municipal or private day-care centers or at the child’s home. Permanent residents of Finland can apply for Child Care Allowances from Kela kela. fi/child-care-allowances. Preschool education is compulsory in Finland, with children attending preschool for one year before comprehensive education begins.

Preschools are organized by municipalities and take place in either a municipal kindergarten or private child care program. The average preschool day is a 4-hour half-day, including a meal, and is free-of-charge for permanent residents. Full-day child care is also available, but not completely free but heavily subsidized. Children whose native language is not Finnish or Swedish will study Finnish or Swedish as a foreign language, and they can study their native language if available.

Preschool education enrolment can be applied for at the local municipal website. There is an increasing demand for preschools and kindergartens teaching primarily in languages other than Finnish, with a growing number of schools in response.

What is preschool like in Finland?

Preschoolers in Finland engage in a variety of play types, including digital, active, creative, social, and free play, during their kindergarten years.

What is the early childhood education model in Finland?

Finnish Early Childhood Education (ECEC) is based on social constructivism, where knowledge is constructed together by teachers and learners in social settings like schools. All children under school-age have a subjective right to ECEC, with municipalities responsible for arranging services and supervision. Families can also opt for publicly subsidized private ECEC settings. The Finnish ECEC is based on an integrated approach to care, education, and teaching, known as the “Educare” model.

Learning through play is essential. The main form of ECEC is daycare organized in daycare centers and family daycare, guided by the National Curriculum Guidelines on ECEC. Other forms of ECEC services include clubs run by local parishes and non-governmental organizations, and various open early childhood education activities organized by municipalities. Participation in ECEC is subject to a fee, which depends on family income and the number of children.

Is early childhood education in demand in Finland?

Finland’s public sector is highly reliant on early childhood education professionals, with graduates working in various roles. The Finnish education system is globally recognized for its exceptional learning results. A degree from Turku University of Applied Sciences can lead to employment opportunities outside Finland and a Master’s degree in Social Services. Salo Campus, located on the Western coast of Finland, offers a peaceful environment with a vibrant business sector. Salo is situated on the outskirts of Turku, one of Finland’s largest and most international cities, and has good connections to both Turku and Helsinki.