päivähoitopaikka

Päivähoitopaikka refers to a childcare place in Finland, commonly known as daycare or preschool. It is a service provided by municipalities and private providers for children under school age, typically from infancy up to the age of seven. The primary purpose of a päivähoitopaikka is to support child development, learning, and well-being, while also enabling parents to work or study.

Finnish early childhood education and care, or varhaiskasvatus, is guided by a national curriculum that emphasizes play-based learning, social skills, and individual development. Päivähoitopaikkat are offered in various forms, including municipal daycare centers, private daycare centers, family daycare (hoitaja caring for a small group of children in their home), and art or music-focused daycare.

Admission to a päivähoitopaikka is generally based on the child's age, family needs, and the availability of places. While municipalities have a statutory obligation to arrange early childhood education and care for all children who need it, the specific type of place and the timing can vary. Parents typically apply for a place through their local municipality. The cost of a päivähoitopaikka is usually income-dependent, with fees subsidized by the state and municipality. The aim is to ensure that all children have access to quality early childhood education regardless of their family's financial situation.