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, support groups, screening and monitoring of child development, coordination of services across sectors, and creating individual plans that involve parents in decision-making. Varhaistyö emphasizes family-centered and strength-based approaches, cultural sensitivity, and accessibility of services.

Organizationally, varhaistyö is organized within municipalities and is linked to national child welfare and early childhood education policies. It serves as a preventive layer that can reduce the escalation to more intensive services and support by building protective factors, early support networks, and early treatment when needed. By bridging health, education, and social services, varhaistyö aims to promote equal opportunities and healthy development for all children and to support families in everyday life.