Pre-primary Education

Pre-primary education is free-of-charge education provided for children in the year preceding the start of compulsory education. Early childhood education (ECEC), pre-primary education, and basic education together form a coherent and consistent whole in terms of the child’s development and learning and lay the foundation for lifelong learning.

Children of pre-primary education age participate in pre-primary education organized by the municipality. The children receive pre-primary education four hours a day, and during this time they are also provided with a meal. The school year in pre-primary education mainly follows the working days and holiday periods of schools.

Participation in pre-primary education is compulsory under the Basic Education Act. The guardian of the child is responsible for ensuring that the child participates in pre-primary education or in other activities achieving the objectives of pre-primary education during the school year preceding the beginning of compulsory education.

Note! The secondary application period for pre-primary education has ended, and the processing of applications is underway. You will receive the decision about your child’s pre-primary placement by the end of March.

Pre-primary education does not require registration

Decision on Your Child’s Pre-primary Education Place

Detailed instructions if your child needs early childhood education between August 1–16, 2026

Early childhood education with pre-primary education

ECEC centres that offer preschool education autumn 2025 - spring 2026

ECEC centres that offer preschool education autumn 2026 - spring 2027

Preschool activity periods and holidays