Preparatory Education

Preparatory education for 6-year-old children is intended for immigrant children 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 proficiency remains at a basic level.

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.