Early childhood education and care

In Finland local authorities are responsible for ensuring that early childhood education and care is provided in accordance with the needs of children and families. Early childhood education and care (ECEC) is provided as centre-based early education activities, family-based daycare activities and open early childhood education and care activities.

The Ministry of Education and Culture is responsible for the overall planning, guidance and monitoring of early childhood education and care.

Legislation on early childhood education and care »

Legislation governing early childhood education and care as well as pre-primary education.
Early childhood education and care services »

Local authorities (municipalities) are responsible for providing early childhood education and care services.
Children's right to ECEC »

A child's parents or other guardians decide whether their child participates in early childhood education and care. However, pre-primary education that precedes compulsory education is obligatory.
Client fees charged for ECEC »

The client fees are determined on the basis of the size and income of the family and the number of hours that a child participates in early childhood education and care.

Early childhood education and care

Legislation on early childhood education and care »

Early childhood education and care services »

Children's right to ECEC »

Client fees charged for ECEC »

Press releases

TALIS 2024: Early childhood staff find their work meaningful, but lack of resources and staff shortages pose challenges

Index adjustments to client fees for early childhood education and care confirmed

EUR 8.9 billion budget proposal for the Ministry of Education and Culture for 2026