varhaistyön
Varhaistyö is a Finnish term describing early work carried out with families and children to support development and prevent problems. The focus is preventive and early intervention. It is a cross-disciplinary approach spanning social services, health care, education, and child welfare. Professionals from social work, nursing, midwifery/health visiting, early childhood education, and family support collaborate with families in everyday life and in service settings such as maternity and child health clinics, family centers, day care, and schools. The core aim is to identify risk factors and developmental concerns early, to strengthen families' resources, and to ensure safety and well-being for children during the early years.
Typical activities include home visits to families with newborns or young children, parenting guidance and education,
Organizationally, varhaistyö is organized within municipalities and is linked to national child welfare and early childhood