Education Insights
Exploring Finland's Unique Early Childhood Education Approach
January 15, 2025
January 15, 2025
A group of preschoolers in Finland steps outside, bundled in warm clothes, ready for their morning activity. It’s a crisp winter day, but that doesn’t stop them. Their teacher hands out magnifying glasses, encouraging them to explore the frost-covered leaves. One child excitedly points to a bird’s footprints in the snow, sparking a discussion about how animals adapt to cold weather. This is learning in Finland—natural, curiosity-driven, and free from pressure.
Unlike many education systems that emphasize structured academics at an early age, Finland’s Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) model prioritizes holistic child development, play-based learning, and emotional well-being. The country’s unique "educare" approach seamlessly integrates education, care, and pedagogy, ensuring children grow up as confident, lifelong learners.
From the right to early education to compulsory pre-primary schooling, Finland has created a system that values each child’s individuality and nurtures their natural curiosity. This article explores Finland’s unique early childhood education approach, highlighting its core principles, innovative teaching methods, and the impact of its national curriculum.
Let’s take a closer look at what makes Finland’s early childhood education one of the best in the world.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Finland’s ECEC system is that it is a legal right for all children under school age. Finnish law mandates that municipalities provide ECEC services based on local demand, ensuring accessibility for every child.
Parents in Finland have the flexibility to choose from various childcare options after their parental leave ends, typically when their child is between 9 to 10 months old. This flexibility ensures that families can select the best childcare arrangement based on their personal needs, financial situation, and work-life balance. Unlike many countries where childcare options are limited or expensive, Finland provides a well-structured and affordable system to support early childhood education and care (ECEC).
The majority of Finnish children are enrolled in municipal early childhood education centers, which are publicly funded and widely accessible. These centers follow Finland’s national core curriculum for ECEC, ensuring that all children receive high-quality, play-based education. Parents pay income-based fees, making these centers affordable regardless of family background. In 2021, 81% of children in ECEC attended municipal centers, highlighting their popularity and effectiveness.
For families seeking alternative options, private ECEC services are also available. These institutions follow the same national curriculum but may offer specialized programs or additional services. While private centers tend to be more expensive than municipal ones, families receive a childcare allowance from the government to offset the costs, ensuring that private education remains an accessible choice for many.
Some parents prefer a smaller, home-like environment for their young children, making family daycare services a valuable option. In this model, a trained caregiver takes care of a small group of children in their own home, creating a personalized and nurturing setting. Family daycare is particularly beneficial for very young children who may not yet be ready for larger daycare centers. Though less common than municipal and private centers, 6% of children in Finland’s ECEC system were enrolled in family daycare in 2021.
Finland also offers the option for parents to stay at home with their child until the child turns three, supported by a home care allowance. This financial assistance allows parents, especially those with multiple children, to delay returning to work and focus on early childhood development at home. This option is particularly attractive to families who prefer a more intimate, parent-led approach to early education.
By offering multiple childcare options, Finland ensures that every family can find a solution that suits their lifestyle. Whether parents choose municipal daycare, private education, family daycare, or home care leave, the Finnish system is designed to support both children’s development and parents’ needs.
This commitment to universal access ensures that every child receives quality early education, regardless of socio-economic background.
Unlike traditional early education models that separate education and care, Finland integrates them into a single system called “educare”. This holistic approach blends learning, emotional development, and social skills, ensuring children receive comprehensive support in their early years. There are four key features in the Educare model.
One of the core principles of the educare model is child-centered learning, where children explore concepts at their own pace through hands-on, experiential activities. Instead of rigid lesson plans, Finnish early education encourages children to ask questions, make discoveries, and experiment with their environment. Teachers act as facilitators rather than instructors, providing guidance and support while allowing children the freedom to explore. This approach fosters independence, creativity, and problem-solving skills, ensuring that children develop a natural love for learning.
Unlike many countries where structured academic learning starts at an early age, Finland does not push young children into formal education. Instead, learning is driven by natural curiosity rather than standardized tests, worksheets, or memorization. There are no formal exams or grading systems in early education, allowing children to develop a positive relationship with learning rather than associating it with pressure and competition. This ensures that children enter primary school with a strong sense of confidence and intrinsic motivation, rather than anxiety about performance.
Emotional development is considered just as important as academic learning in the educare model. Teachers are trained to nurture children’s emotional intelligence, helping them understand and regulate their emotions from an early age. The Finnish early education environment is designed to be safe, inclusive, and supportive, fostering self-confidence, social skills, and a sense of belonging. Conflict resolution, empathy, and cooperation are actively taught through daily interactions, helping children develop essential life skills that go beyond the classroom.
In Finland, play is not just an activity—it is a core method of learning. Research has shown that children learn best through play, and the educare model fully embraces this philosophy. Through structured and unstructured play, children engage in problem-solving, teamwork, and creative thinking. Activities such as storytelling, outdoor exploration, building, and role-playing help children develop language skills, motor coordination, and cognitive abilities in a natural, enjoyable way. Play-based learning allows children to experiment, take risks, and make connections between different concepts, making education a joyful and engaging experience.
The educare philosophy ensures that Finnish children develop not only cognitive skills but also resilience, emotional intelligence, and a love for learning—all crucial for future success.
Finland’s early education is rooted in play-based learning, where children develop essential skills through exploration and creativity. Research shows that play enhances problem-solving, social interactions, and cognitive flexibility. There are different types of play in Finnish ECEC.
Free play is a fundamental part of Finnish early education, allowing children to explore their interests, make their own choices, and develop independence. Unlike structured activities, free play gives children the freedom to create their own games, interact with peers, and express themselves without restrictions. This unstructured time fosters imagination, self-confidence, and decision-making skills. Teachers provide a safe and stimulating environment where children have access to a variety of materials—such as building blocks, art supplies, and costumes—allowing them to engage in self-directed learning. By giving children the autonomy to play freely, Finland nurtures a sense of curiosity and intrinsic motivation that carries into their later academic years.
While free play allows for open-ended creativity, guided play involves teacher-facilitated activities that help children develop specific skills. In guided play, teachers set up activities with clear learning objectives, but children are still encouraged to explore and engage in their own way. For example, a teacher may introduce a storytelling game to enhance language skills or a collaborative puzzle to promote teamwork and problem-solving. This balance between structure and freedom ensures that children develop foundational skills naturally, without the pressure of traditional instruction. Guided play also helps educators identify individual learning styles and provide personalized support to each child.
One of the most distinctive features of Finnish early education is the emphasis on outdoor play, regardless of the weather. Finland follows the philosophy that “there is no bad weather, only bad clothing,” meaning children are encouraged to play outside year-round, whether it’s sunny, snowy, or rainy. Outdoor play is not just about physical exercise—it is seen as a vital part of emotional and cognitive development. Spending time in nature has been proven to reduce stress, improve concentration, and enhance creativity. Finnish early education centers often integrate outdoor play with learning experiences, such as exploring nature, identifying plants and animals, or engaging in hands-on science experiments. This approach fosters resilience, adaptability, and a deep connection with the natural world.
In Finland, play isn’t just fun—it’s a scientifically proven method to foster creativity, resilience, and early cognitive development.
Finland invests heavily in teacher training, requiring university-level education for early childhood educators. Unlike many countries, where preschool teachers may have minimal training, Finland ensures that ECEC professionals undergo rigorous pedagogical instruction.
Finnish early childhood educators are highly effective because of their personalized approach, extensive training, and commitment to continuous learning. One of the key factors is low student-teacher ratios, which allow educators to give individual attention to each child, tailor learning experiences, and foster strong relationships. Teachers are trained to observe and support each child’s unique development, ensuring that learning is adapted to their needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. Additionally, continuous professional development is a fundamental part of Finland’s education system, ensuring that educators stay updated with the latest research, methodologies, and best practices in early childhood education. This combination of small class sizes, child-centered teaching, and ongoing training creates an environment where children receive exceptional care and education from highly skilled professionals.
This high level of expertise fosters a nurturing, student-centered environment, where children feel safe, valued, and empowered.
Since 2015, Finland has made pre-primary education mandatory for all six-year-olds, ensuring that every child receives a structured yet developmentally appropriate introduction to formal schooling. This requirement was introduced to smooth the transition from early childhood education to comprehensive school, giving children the skills, confidence, and routines necessary for a successful start to their academic journey. Pre-primary education, known as ISCED 020, follows the same play-based, child-centered approach as early childhood education but with a slightly more structured framework that prepares children for the next stage of learning. The key features of pre-primary education include:
One of the defining characteristics of Finland’s pre-primary education is that it is completely free of charge, ensuring that every child, regardless of socioeconomic background, has equal access to high-quality early learning. This universal approach reflects Finland’s strong commitment to educational equity, eliminating financial barriers that might prevent children from receiving early education. Families do not have to worry about tuition fees, making it easier for all children to benefit from structured pre-primary learning before entering comprehensive school. Additionally, municipalities are legally required to provide pre-primary education to all eligible children, ensuring widespread accessibility across the country.
Pre-primary education in Finland typically lasts for four hours per day, striking a balance between structured learning and free exploration. Rather than focusing on traditional academic subjects, these four hours are dedicated to foundational skills that help children develop emotional intelligence, communication abilities, and problem-solving techniques. Activities in pre-primary education include collaborative storytelling, music, creative arts, outdoor exploration, and early numeracy concepts, all designed to enhance critical thinking, curiosity, and social interaction.
This limited daily schedule prevents cognitive overload while allowing children to engage in meaningful, interactive experiences. Instead of sitting at desks for extended periods, Finnish six-year-olds learn through movement, conversation, and discovery, which helps them transition smoothly into comprehensive schooling without stress or pressure.
In Finland, pre-primary education is offered in both early education centers and primary schools, giving families the flexibility to choose the setting that best suits their child. While some parents prefer keeping their children in familiar early childhood education environments, others opt for school-based pre-primary programs that allow children to gradually acclimate to the school setting before they officially start first grade. Regardless of the location, all pre-primary programs follow the same National Core Curriculum, ensuring consistency in teaching methods, learning objectives, and child development goals across the country.
Although pre-primary education officially lasts for four hours per day, most children also participate in additional early childhood education and care (ECEC) programs to complete a full-day schedule. These additional hours provide opportunities for continued play, physical activities, and social engagement, ensuring that children’s learning experiences extend beyond the classroom setting.
Most children attending pre-primary education also participate in additional ECEC programs to complete a full-day schedule, blending structured learning with play-based activities.
In 2018, Finland took a major step in standardizing and improving early childhood education by implementing the Act on Early Childhood Education and Care (540/2018). This legislation established a National Core Curriculum for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), which serves as a binding framework for all early education providers across the country. The curriculum ensures that every child, regardless of location or background, receives high-quality education and care that supports their holistic development. Let’s see how it does that.
One of the most significant contributions of the National Core Curriculum is ensuring equal quality in early education, no matter where a child lives or which institution they attend. Whether children are enrolled in municipal early education centers, private ECEC services, or family daycare settings, the curriculum guarantees that they receive the same level of pedagogical care and developmental support. This consistency helps maintain Finland’s high education standards and prevents disparities between different regions or socioeconomic groups. By establishing uniform learning objectives and best practices, Finland ensures that every child receives a strong, high-quality foundation in their early years, setting them up for lifelong success.
Unlike many education systems that focus primarily on academic skills, Finland’s National Core Curriculum emphasizes a holistic approach to child development. It integrates emotional, social, and cognitive growth into daily learning experiences, ensuring that children develop in all key areas. Emotional development is nurtured through empathy-building activities and social interactions, helping children understand their emotions and communicate effectively. Social skills are strengthened through cooperative play, group discussions, and shared problem-solving, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Cognitive development is supported through exploration-based learning, where children engage in critical thinking, creativity, and hands-on activities. This well-rounded approach prepares children not only for academic success but also for meaningful social relationships and emotional resilience.
A distinctive feature of Finland’s early education curriculum is its strong emphasis on self-expression, creativity, and outdoor experiences. Children are encouraged to explore their ideas through art, music, storytelling, and imaginative play, allowing them to develop confidence in their abilities and emotions. Teachers provide opportunities for children to experiment with different creative mediums, fostering a sense of curiosity and discovery. Additionally, outdoor activities are a fundamental part of the curriculum, with children spending significant time outside in all seasons. The Finnish philosophy of “every weather is outdoor weather” ensures that children develop a deep connection with nature, resilience, and physical well-being. By integrating creativity and outdoor experiences into daily learning, Finland cultivates well-rounded, confident, and inquisitive learners.
Although the National Core Curriculum provides a structured framework, it is not a one-size-fits-all system. Municipalities and individual early education providers have the flexibility to adapt the curriculum to local cultural and community needs. This means that while the core principles remain consistent across Finland, educators can design learning activities that are meaningful and relevant to their specific group of children. This adaptability ensures that the curriculum remains engaging and inclusive, reflecting the diverse backgrounds, interests, and developmental needs of Finnish children. By allowing local educators to personalize the learning experience while upholding national standards, Finland creates a dynamic and effective early education system that supports every child in the best possible way.
Municipalities adapt the national curriculum to local needs, but the core principles remain consistent, ensuring every child benefits from Finland’s world-class early education system.
Finland’s Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) system is built on the principle that learning should be joyful, engaging, and free from unnecessary pressure. Unlike many countries that introduce formal assessments at an early age, Finland eliminates standardized testing and academic rankings in early education, allowing children to explore and learn at their own pace. This trust-based learning model ensures that educators support each child’s individual development, rather than forcing them to meet rigid academic benchmarks. By removing competition and stress from early education, Finland nurtures confident, self-motivated learners who see education as an exciting journey rather than an obligation.
A key aspect of Finland’s stress-free approach is the integration of outdoor activities, arts, and movement into daily learning. Finnish children spend significant time outdoors, regardless of the weather, reinforcing both their physical and emotional well-being. Creative subjects like music, dance, storytelling, and visual arts are prioritized, helping children express themselves freely and develop a love for learning beyond traditional academics. By emphasizing exploration, play, and self-expression over memorization and rigid structures, Finland creates an education system that fosters curiosity, resilience, and intrinsic motivation—qualities that stay with children for life.
TechClass offers exclusive school visits to Finland, allowing educators and school leaders to experience Finland’s exceptional early education first-hand. Book Your School Visit Today! Discover how Finland’s education system can inspire and transform learning worldwide.
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