Lastenhuollon

Lastenhuolto is the Finnish term for child care services provided to children from birth up to the age of twelve or the beginning of their schooling. It encompasses a range of settings, including early childhood education and care, after‑school care programs (perusopetuksen jälkeinen huolto), and care for children with special needs. The system is designed to support families, enable parental employment, and promote early development through structured activities and socialisation.

The Finnish Parliament governs lastenhuolto through the Child Care Act and related regulations, which establish quality standards, staffing requirements, and fee structures. Local municipalities are responsible for delivering services, while private operators can run care centers under state approval. Fees are largely income‑based, with a universal cap to ensure affordability for all families. In 2024, the national budget allocated increased funds for preschool teachers, staff training, and facility upgrades.

Operationally, care centers provide age‑appropriate programs that combine play, play‑based learning, and basic educational objectives. Early childhood education extends to five‑year‑old children, preparing them for compulsory school. After‑school programs often run until 6 pm, with obligations for supervised activities, homework support, and meals. Children with medical or developmental needs may receive specialised assistance within the same framework.

Despite high overall quality, the sector faces challenges such as staffing shortages, rising demand from working parents, and uneven geographic distribution of services, particularly in rural areas. Ongoing reforms aim to improve working conditions for care staff, increase digital integration, and strengthen collaboration with social services.