Early Childhood Education and Care for children under school age is provided in daycare centres by trained staff. In goal-oriented and planned activities, the child’s age, individuality and various developmental needs are taken into account.
Early Childhood Education and Care and pedagogical activities/task
Early Childhood Education and Care supports the child’s growth, development, learning and well-being. In Vaasa, Early Childhood Education and Care for children under school age is provided in daycare centres and family day care by trained professionals.
Activities are planned according to the child’s age, individual needs and stage of development. Early Childhood Education and Care takes place in all situations throughout the day. Everyday moments, such as meals, outdoor time and play, are as important for learning and education as separately planned activity moments.
What is Early Childhood Education and Care?
Early Childhood Education and Care consists of upbringing, teaching and care. Activities are goal-oriented and planned, and they centre on the child’s learning, development and well-being.
Pedagogy means that activities are based on professionally planned ways to support children’s learning and growth.
The child’s early childhood education and care plan
A personal early childhood education and care plan (vasu) is drawn up for each child within a few months of starting Early Childhood Education and Care.
The vasu describes how the child’s individual needs, strengths and interests are taken into account in everyday life. The plan is made together with the guardians, the staff and the child.
Our values
Our activities are based on Vaasa’s early childhood education and care plan, the national core curriculum for early childhood education and care and the City of Vaasa’s strategic objectives.
The key values of Early Childhood Education and Care are:
- the child’s best interests
- the child’s right to well-being, care and safety
- consideration of the child’s views
- equal and equitable treatment
- inclusivity, meaning every child’s participation and sense of belonging
- non-discrimination
Learning energy and digital skills
Vaasa is known as the Nordic Energy Capital, and energy education is part of Early Childhood Education and Care. Children are introduced to energy and sustainable lifestyles in an age-appropriate way.
In Early Childhood Education and Care, the safe and varied use of information and communication technology is also practised together with adults.
Staff digital competence is continuously developed. The work is supported by a Digital Pedagogy Developer, who helps to adopt new practices and learning tools.
On this website
Good to know about everyday activities
In early childhood education and care, the child’s day progresses according to a safe and predictable daily rhythm. The day includes play, learning, physical activity, meals, rest and togetherness. A clear daily rhythm helps the child feel secure and supports wellbeing and learning.
Culturally aware early childhood education and care and pre-primary education
Cultural awareness means that in Early Childhood Education and Care the different languages, cultures, beliefs and backgrounds of children, families and staff are valued. The goal is that every child feels accepted and an important part of the group.
Multilingual children in early childhood education and care
Language proficiency develops through learning and teaching as well as through interaction and play with others. In language teaching, all everyday situations are used as effectively as possible.
The child is at the center of our activities. Early Childhood Education and Care and pre-primary education are guided by national and local documents that ensure every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, play and participate as their own unique self. All documents governing the operations are either in Finnish or Swedish
Material produced during project periods
On this page we describe how Vaasa’s Early Childhood Education and Care strengthened digital skills and multiliteracy in 2022–2024. You will quickly get an overview of the objectives, implementation and practical tips for your work.
A child has the right to safe and high-quality Early Childhood Education and Care. If you, as a guardian, are dissatisfied with the Early Childhood Education and Care services or have questions, you can make a complaint about the matter.
Most issues can be resolved by discussion. First contact your child’s group staff or the director of the Early Childhood Education and Care unit. If the matter is not resolved through discussion, you can make a written complaint.
By means of an information request you can obtain documents related to your child’s Early Childhood Education and Care. Make an information request when you want to view your child’s records or transfer them to a new municipality.