All children permanently residing in Finland are entitled to free preschool education for a year before their compulsory education begins. This right also applies to those seven-year-olds who begin attending school a year later and to those five-year-olds who have received an extension to their compulsory education. Additionally, immigrants of the appropriate age can apply for preschool education.

In Helsinki, preschool education in Finnish is provided in daycare centres and the Aurinkolahti comprehensive school.  Preschool education units in 2010-2011

In connection with the application for preschool education, you can also apply for additional municipal daycare on a separate form if necessary.

With regard to the preschool education units that are determined in the appropriate subcommittees, home-to-preschool transport is organised and subsidised in accordance with section 32 of the Basic Education Act.

The preschool education consists of four hours a day during school hours.

Additional information regarding preschool education and daycare can be obtained in municipal daycare centres.

Language immersion groups are also available for preschool education.

Applications for preschool education can be submitted electronically.
In order to submit the application, you must identify yourself with the sign-in information of the bank's online service. If you are using the service for the first time, you must also register.

Application forms for the free preschool education can be obtained from municipal day care centres and online.