Varhaishoitovelvoitteet

Varhaishoitovelvoitteet is a concept rooted in Finnish social policy and family law that refers to the responsibilities of parents and other caregivers to provide early care, education, and support for young children before they enter formal schooling. The term is most closely associated with the country's comprehensive framework for child welfare, which seeks to promote healthy development, equity, and social integration from infancy.

Under Finnish legislation, parents are obliged to ensure that their children receive sufficient care, nurturing, and early learning opportunities. This duty is reinforced by municipal child‑care services, known as *varhaiskasvatus*, which offer preschool and early childhood programs. While parents are expected to provide the foundational environment for learning and health, municipalities provide structured, teacher‑led activities that support cognitive and social growth. The legal basis for these obligations can be found in the Finnish Act on Early Childhood Education and Care (Varhaiskasvatuksen laki) and the Act on the Welfare of Families (Perheiden sosiaalihuollon laki).

In practice, Varhaishoitovelvoitteet translate into policies such as subsidised preschool slots, parental leave regulations, and health‑check appointments scheduled by child health nurses. The overarching goal is to reduce disparities in early childhood development and lay the groundwork for lifelong learning. As research shows, countries with robust early care systems tend to exhibit better educational outcomes, lower crime rates, and stronger economic growth. Finland’s system, characterized by equity and quality, is frequently cited as a benchmark for other nations considering reforms in early childhood care.