Pikku-Aino ECEC centre

Apilankukat (Pre-primary education in Finnish) 
tel. 050 567 8666 

Auringonkukat (under 3 year olds) 
tel. 050 529 8328 

Liljat / Lilies (5-6 year olds, Bilingual pre-primary education in English-Finnish and Finnish-language early childhood education) 
tel. 050 381 7823 

Päivänkukat (2-4 year olds) 
tel. 044 703 5411 

Sinikellot / Bluebells (3-5 year olds, Finnish-language group with English language immersion) 
p. 044 703 6978 

N.B! Communication between families and groups mainly takes place through eVaka.

During the 2026–2027 operating year, our ECEC centre provides pre-primary education in two groups. Apilankukat is a fully Finnish-language pre-primary education group. In the Liljat / Lilies group, pre-primary education is bilingual (English–Finnish), with most instruction provided in English and a smaller portion in Finnish. In bilingual pre-primary education, children hear and use both English and Finnish in everyday situations.

The Apilankukat pre-primary education group collaborates with Myllytulli School, while Liljat / Lilies collaborates with the Oulu International School. Our pre-primary education is based on the national curriculum and emphasizes a child-centred approach, taking into account different areas of learning as well as each child's individual learning and support needs. Throughout the year, children develop language skills, mathematical thinking, environmental and natural science skills, practical and creative skills, and social interaction skills through play-based learning.

In pre-primary education, children process and reinforce what they have learned through self-directed play, and the daily programme also includes opportunities for free play. Children spend time outdoors every day.

Our activities follow the Pre-primary Education Curriculum of the City of Oulu.

Pikku-Aino ECEC centre is located in Myllytulli, close to the city centre. Our indoor facilities and playground area were renovated in a refurbishment completed in 2020. Our ECEC centre offers both Finnish- and English-language activities. In addition to a Finnish-language pre-primary education group, we have two Finnish-language groups for children aged 1–5. Alongside our bilingual (English–Finnish) pre-primary education group, we also have a Finnish-language group for children aged 4–5 that includes English language immersion activities. We are a multicultural and culturally sensitive ECEC centre.

Within walking distance of our ECEC centre are several cultural institutions whose services we make active use of in order to provide children with experiences in arts, culture, and physical activity. In addition, our groups regularly make use of nearby parks, going on outings there once a week.

At Pikku-Aino ECEC centre, all children and adults are welcome to be themselves. Our activities are diverse and take children's needs into account, and play is important. We encourage children to experiment, explore and try. We give encouraging and positive feedback on entrepreneurship and perseverance. We implement STEAM pedagogy in our ECEC centre. Our ECEC centre aims for a positive, encouraging and positive atmosphere where children can play, grow and learn new things.     

We follow both the national and Oulu’s own Curriculum for early childhood education and care in our daily work.