Preparatory Education

Preparatory education for 6-year-old children is intended for children, born abroad, whose Finnish language skills and/or other learning skills are not yet sufficient for participating in a pre-primary education group. In Oulu, preparatory education is provided for children whose Finnish language skills are still at the elementary level.

Preparatory education cannot be provided in private daycare centers that do not have a permit to provide basic education.

The decision to begin preparatory education is discussed together with the guardians. The Early Childhood Education Service Coordinator makes the decision to start preparatory education, based on a proposal from the head of the child’s ECEC centre.

Preparatory education is organised inclusively within the child’s own pre-primary education group. The child receives five hours of Finnish language instruction per day. Four hours are part of pre-primary education. Assessment follows the same principles as in pre-primary education, and the child participates in group activities together with their peers.

Preparatory education follows the general objectives of pre-primary education.

In addition, it takes into account the needs of multilingual children related to language, culture, and integration.