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Responsible for the service City of Helsinki, Education Division

Early education and care

  • Service
  • Helsinki
  • Public service

Early education and care is offered in municipal or private daycare, in family daycare or in playgroup club activities. Parents should apply for daycare four months prior to the need for care.

Education Division is responsible for Finnish- and Swedis-language daycare and preschool education.

Do the following

Apply for an early childhood education and care place at the latest four months before you wish to place your child in day care.

To whom and on what terms

Early childhood education and care may be given to a child who has not reached the age of compulsory education.

Early childhood education and care may also be given to a child who has already reached the age of compulsory education if special circumstances so require and care cannot be otherwise arranged.

Background information

One form of early childhood education and care is day-care centre activities, which are organised at day-care centres.

The objective of early childhood education and care is to support the child’s growth, development and learning and promote his or her well-being. An early childhood education plan is drawn up for each child in day-care centre.

Municipal day care may be either full time or part time care.

The service is provided by

City of Helsinki

Responsible for the service

City of Helsinki, Education Division
Text edited by: City of Helsinki, Education Division
Updated: 18/3/2024