Pre-primary education
(6-year-olds)

Pre-primary education is statutory and part of compulsory education. A child must participate in pre-primary education for one year at the age of 6–7. Pre-primary education is planned teaching and education that prepares a child for school. In Finland, pre-primary education teachers hold university degrees and the teaching is of high quality.

For whom?

A child participates in pre-primary education in the year they turn 6 years old.

Where?

In Hämeenlinna, pre-primary education is provided in daycare centers and school premises.

A child may not travel to pre-primary education independently. An adult takes and collects the child. You may apply for the City’s pre-primary education transport if the distance to pre-primary education is over 3 km or the child requires transport for health reasons. Pre-primary education transport is applied for using an electronic application:

What is done in pre-primary education?

An important task of pre-primary education is to promote the child’s well-being, development, and learning. Pre-primary education is not yet schooling. In pre-primary education, learning takes place through play, movement, and exploration, and the activities are child-centered. The child receives a free hot lunch and the day also includes a rest/calming-down period.

If your child requires a special diet for health or ethical reasons, please notify us of the special diet in advance. Complete the form and return it to the pre-primary education facility:

At what time?

Pre-primary education time is 4 hours per day. The time is usually scheduled in the morning, for example 9 a.m.–1 p.m.

What does it cost?

Pre-primary education is free of charge. If a child requires care in addition to pre-primary education outside pre-primary education hours, i.e. supplementary early childhood education and care, it must be applied for separately and a fee may be charged for it.

How is a place applied for?

A child is registered for pre-primary education using an electronic application (requires authentication with online banking credentials/mobile certificate). The same application can also be used to apply for supplementary early childhood education and care.

If you are unable to authenticate, please visit International Family Guidance Service and we will assist you with completing the application.

Further information

Contact us

For matters related to pre-primary education, you will be assisted by International Family Guidance Service and early childhood education guidance and counselling.