Child in Early Childhood Education
Early childhood education and care (ECEC) is part of the Finnish education system and an important stage on the child’s path of growing and learning. The mission of ECEC is to promote children’s holistic growth, development and learning in collaboration with their guardians.
All children under school-age have a subjective right to ECEC should their parents so decide. The Finnish ECEC is based on an integrated approach to care, education and teaching, the so-called “educare” model. Learning through play is essential.
ECEC in Vantaa is primarily organised in day-care centres and in family day-care. Forms of open early childhood education including clubs, open day care and residential parks for children and their families.
Day Care Place Guarantee
The city of Vantaa has a day care place guarantee that entitles the child to return to the same day care place after a temporary termination of day care.
Cooperation between home and early childhood education providers
The ultimate goal of this cooperation is to build a string basis for the relationship between a child's parents and the early childhood education personnel. Early childhood education providers also arrange events that are intended for the guardians, who can network with the guardians of their child's fiends and find out more about current topics (e.g. parents' association).
Child Welfare and Health
Early childhood education's welfare work entails ensuring children's overall welfare, and exe-cuting this work is the responsibility of the whole personnel. Education partnering with the guardians is an important part of the welfare work. Activities that focus on the child's strengths and interests support the child's wellbeing. Evaluation of children's strengths and abilities promotes positive development.
Development and Learning Support in early childhood education
From a child's point of view, it is important to recognize the need for support early and provide the child with a learning environment that supports her/his development and learning, and any other needs. If the need for support is recognized early, it is easier to prevent further difficulties. The early childhood education pays special attention to early recognition of learning and developmental difficulties.
Consultant Special Teachers together with the day care personnel are responsible for the issues regarding children in need for learning support.
Curriculum for early childhood education and care
The local curriculum for early childhood education and care obligates to renew and develop the operating culture of ECEC. When the working and operating methods are evaluated it is essential to consider how they will best support children’s growth, development and learning. The starting point for decisions must comply with the goals of the local curriculum and always take into account the child’s best interests.