Preschool education  

During the year before the start of formal education, children must participate in pre-primary education, or in another activity that will achieve the goals of pre-primary education. Preschool education is free of charge.   

Preschool education is governed by the Basic Education Act. In addition to preschool education, children are entitled to complementary early education, which is governed by the Act on Early Childhood Education and Care. Complementary early education services are subject to a client fee, which is based on the family’s income. 

In addition to legislation, the provision of early education services is also steered by the basics of preschool education curriculum issued by the Finnish National Agency for Education in 2014

If you want to challenge a decision made by the local authority about a matter such as a place in preschool education, contact the Regional State Administrative Agency.