kokopäivähoito

Kokopäivähoito refers to full-day childcare services in Finland. This is a comprehensive system designed to support working parents and provide early childhood education for children. Kokopäivähoito encompasses various forms of care, including municipal daycares (päiväkoti), private daycares, and family daycares (perhepäivähoito).

Municipal daycares are the most common form and are heavily subsidized by the government. They offer structured educational programs for children from infancy to school age, focusing on play-based learning, social development, and cognitive skills. The curriculum is guided by the national core curriculum for early childhood education.

Family daycares operate in a caregiver's home, providing a smaller, more home-like setting for a limited number of children. This option can be attractive for parents seeking a more intimate environment. Private daycares exist as an alternative, often with different operational models and fees, though they also adhere to national quality standards.

Access to kokopäivähoito is considered a right for all children in Finland, and fees are typically income-dependent, ensuring affordability for most families. The system plays a crucial role in Finland's social infrastructure, supporting gender equality in the workforce and promoting the well-being and development of young children.