Early Education in Finland

Pilke Playschool Pasila, Helsinki
Primary language: English
This daycare centre's central location in Pasila, Helsinki, provides numerous opportunities for exploring local parks, libraries, museums and other cultural sites. Open Monday-Friday 06:00‑18:00 (according to demand) for children aged 0‑5, Pasila daycare's English-speaking pedagogical activities adhere to the Finnish National Core Curriculum for Early Childhood Education and Care. Children are familiarised with various cultures and helped to grow into open-minded global citizens. High-quality education combined with activities and exercise provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning and readiness to act as a valuable member of society.
Access to the kindergarten is from Höyrykatu.

Pilke Playschool Vuosaari, Helsinki
Primary language: English
Located in Vuosaari, Helsinki, this daycare centre offers frequent trips to local parks, libraries, museums and other cultural sites, and is open Monday-Friday 07:00‑17:00 (according to demand) for children aged 0‑5. Pilke Kindergartens focus on growth and development of the whole child: emotional, social, physical, intellectual, cultural and moral / ethical. Pilke believes high-quality education combined with activities and exercise provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning, and children are helped to grow into valuable, open-minded global citizens. The English-speaking pedagogical activities adhere to the Finnish National Core Curriculum for Early Childhood Education and Care.

Pilke Taikavuori Kindergarten, Helsinki
Primary language: English
Located in Kallio, Helsinki 'Magic Mountain' provides cosy English language oriented daycare for children aged 10 months - 5 years, Monday-Friday 07:00‑17:00.
Pilke Kindergartens focus on growth and development of the whole child: emotional, social, physical, intellectual, cultural and moral / ethical. Pilke emphasizes positive feedback and confidence building, and believes high-quality education combined with activities and exercise provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning and readiness to act as a valuable member of society. Pilke’s goal is to give children a good day, every day!

The International School of Helsinki
Language: English
Close to Helsinki centre and founded in 1963, ISH is a private coeducational IB World School divided into two sections: Lower School (Pre-K-5) and Upper School (6-12).
The Early Years programme for children aged 3 - 5 (Pre-K-K2) includes activities and play experiences designed to be engaging, meaningful and challenging for young minds. Learning is in English, and student-centered. Students learn math, science, literacy, art, music PE, technology and social studies while building interpersonal and social skills.
After School Care is available until 17:30.
For older students ISH offers three International Baccalaureate programmes.
The International School of Helsinki is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS). A visit can be arranged by calling the school.

Helsinki English Montessori Preschool
Primary language: English
Helsinki English Montessori Preschool in central Helsinki is an English-speaking playschool that offers daycare for 2–6-year-old children and preschool for 6-year-olds. Both daycare and education at Helsinki English Montessori are provided through Montessori methods. Montessori is based on the idea that children have an innate instinct to learn. Children are given opportunities to learn, play, and do things on their own to truly nurture their individualistic developmental paths. In addition to Montessori activities, daily routines include spending time in the Lastenlehto park, music groups, physical activity, and field trips.
Children do not need to know English when starting at the playschool. The highly trained staff will help the children transition from their mother tongue to English at their own pace.
Book a time for a visit, or Have a Peek Inside a Montessori Classroom

Happy Children Kindergarten, Helsinki
Primary language: English
We are a new English Kindergarten in Helsinki, opened on 2.8.2021. We offer 3-day, 4-day, and full-time 5-day care for your children aged one to five years. Professional, qualified and experienced staff will nurture and care for your precious little ones in a safe and comfortable homey setting. Our mission is for your children to grow into happy well-balanced individuals enriched with life skills to thrive in both local and international environments. We implement creative, fun filled daily activities and festivals for your children to enjoy. Newly refurbished facilities include a private playground and indoor gym. We are situated next to Central Park (Keskuspuisto), where your children can enjoy nature and fresh air all year round. Your children deserve the best. Welcome to our Open House days, or please contact us for a private appointment.
Text provided by Happy Children Kindergarten

Carousel Nursery, Ruoholahti
Primary language: English
Carousel Nursery Schools welcome children aged 1-7 to a fun, exciting and multicultural place, where they are nurtured and encouraged to become confident independent learners, and supported to develop social, emotional and interactive skills with a sense of belonging and an ethos of togetherness.
Carousel Ruoholahti is located in a spacious purpose-built facility in a sports building with gym spaces and a nearby park, allowing the extension of learning opportunities through different sporting activities including skating, climbing and an indoor beach!
Carousel's highly child-centered approach cultivates a positive disposition towards learning, language and cultures in a friendly, safe, caring environment. Please check the curriculum, and you are welcome to book a visit!

Carousel Nursery, Olari
Primary language: English
Carousel Nursery Schools welcome children aged 1-7 to a fun, exciting and multicultural place, where they are nurtured and encouraged to become confident independent learners, and supported to develop social, emotional and interactive skills with a sense of belonging and an ethos of togetherness.
Carousel Olari operates through three different group spaces in close proximity, each offering a homely atmosphere with varied resources for play and projects. All are close to parks and woods, with trips providing the children many opportunities to explore and investigate nature.
Carousel's highly child-centered approach cultivates a positive disposition towards learning, language and cultures in a friendly, safe, caring environment. Please check the curriculum, and you are welcome to book a visit!

Pilke Pohjantähti Kindergarten, Vantaa
Primary language: English
Located in Koivuhaka, Vantaa Pohjantähti has 120 daycare places for children aged 0 - 6 years, in six groups, Monday-Friday 07:00‑17:00.
Pilke Kindergartens focus on growth and development of the whole child: emotional, social, physical, intellectual, cultural and moral / ethical. Pilke emphasizes positive feedback and confidence building, and believes high-quality education combined with activities and exercise provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning and readiness to act as a valuable member of society. Pilke’s goal is to give children a good day, every day!

Pilke Kids’ Valley Kindergarten
Primary language: English
Kids’ Valley was established as English Kindergarten 48 years ago. Kids’ Valley offers quality early childhood education and pre-school for children under school age, with both English and Finnish language as part of everyday activities. Monday-Friday 07:00‑17:00 (according to demand).
Pilke Kindergartens focus on growth and development of the whole child: emotional, social, physical, intellectual, cultural and moral / ethical. Pilke emphasizes positive feedback and confidence building, and believes high-quality education combined with activities and exercise provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning and readiness to act as a valuable member of society. Pilke’s goal is to give children a good day, every day!

Pilke Playschool Jyväskylä
Primary language: English
The school has introductory action groups, playschool and preschool groups, with a syllabus based on Finnish preschool requirements and the English national curriculum. The staff works closely with the children to encourage language development, and the children enjoy music, art, drama, crafts, sports and basic computer education.
Pilke Kindergartens focus on growth and development of the whole child: emotional, social, physical, intellectual, cultural and moral / ethical. Pilke emphasizes positive feedback and confidence building, and believes high-quality education combined with activities and exercise provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning and readiness to act as a valuable member of society. Pilke’s goal is to give children a good day, every day!

Pilke ICEC Kauniainen
Primary language: English
The ICEC daycare centre in Kauniainen is open Monday-Friday 06:00‑17:00 (as necessary) for children aged 0‑5. The center’s activities emphasize children’s creativity, play, multiculturalism, and inclusive learning. In the ecological log daycare center, children can enjoy the fresh indoor air, good acoustics and a calm and peaceful atmosphere brought by the solid wood structure of the building.
ICEC has over 30 years' experience, opening the Kauniainen centre in August 2021 in a new building. Both the Finnish national early childhood education plan and the English EYFS curricula are followed.

Pilke ICEC Kempele
Primary language: English
ICEC's Kempele daycare centre is open Monday-Friday 07:00‑17:00 (as necessary) for children aged 0‑5. Children's activities emphasize creativity, play, multiculturalism, and inclusive learning. ICEC has over 30 years' experience providing quality early childhood and preschool education in English, and believes in fostering children’s natural delight in exploration and discovery, resulting in knowledge and understanding. The Kempele centre opened in October 2020 in a new building, and follows both the Finnish national early childhood education plan and the English EYFS curricula.

Pilke Kiddy House Kindergarten
Primary language: English
Centrally located Kiddy House provides English language oriented daycare for children from 3 years of age, Monday-Friday 06:45-17:00 (according to demand).
Pilke Kindergartens focus on growth and development of the whole child: emotional, social, physical, intellectual, cultural and moral / ethical. Pilke emphasizes positive feedback and confidence building, and believes high-quality education combined with activities and exercise provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning and readiness to act as a valuable member of society. Pilke’s goal is to give children a good day, every day!

Pilke Päiväkoti Smile
Primary language: English
Päiväkoti Smile provides relaxed and cozy English language oriented daycare and preschool education for about 20 children aged 3 - 6, or earlier at parents' discretion. Monday-Friday 07:15-17:00 (according to demand). English is used daily, including games and singing, helping children develop a positive attitude to language learning. The aim is a perfect setting for rewarding play, joyful learning, and working together and friendship!
Pilke Kindergartens focus on growth and development of the whole child: emotional, social, physical, intellectual, cultural and moral / ethical. Pilke emphasizes positive feedback and confidence building, and believes high-quality education combined with activities and exercise provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning and readiness to act as a valuable member of society. Pilke’s goal is to give children a good day, every day!

Pilke Kielipolku
Primary language: English
Pilke Kielipolku provides early childhood education in English language for children aged 0 - 5, and 'language showering' for children aged 3-5 years, in which children sing and ponder familiar songs, rhymes and concepts in English.
Pilke Kindergartens focus on growth and development of the whole child: emotional, social, physical, intellectual, cultural and moral / ethical. Pilke emphasizes positive feedback and confidence building, and believes high-quality education combined with activities and exercise provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning and readiness to act as a valuable member of society. Pilke’s goal is to give children a good day, every day!

Pilke Englantilainen Leikkikoulu
Primary language: English
Pilke Englantilainen Leikkikoulu provides early childhood education and care in a versatile learning environment. Open Monday-Friday 06:00‑18:00 (as necessary) for children aged 0‑5, the central yet peaceful location by Lake Kirkkolampi enables numerous activities. Only a short way from the city centre’s cultural services, frequent trips are made to the library for story-time, the Minikino film club, the science centres Arktikum and Pilke, and the Vesihiisi swim school. Kids enjoy the playground and sand-pit by Lake Kirkkolampi, and in winter, skiing or ice fishing!
English skills are not required to join daycare; use of English is based on the child’s age and skill level. Pilke’s goal is to give children a good day, every day!

Enkku: English School of Tampere
Language: English
Enkku celebrated its 60th year in 2017, and offers a great place in Tampere for children aged 3 - 10 to start learning in a friendly, family-like environment. English skills are developed early, from caring teachers with English as their native language. Daycare, kindergarten and preschool are supplemented by Enkku Clubs, including afternoon groups and the Conversation Club for developing English language skills.
Enkku's fundamental principle is respect for ethical values. Children learn good manners, and respect for themselves and others. With this comes self-confidence and valuable social skills.

Sunshine Early Learning Centres
Language: English
Sunshine's follows the Finnish national curriculum guidelines for early childhood education and care (ECEC) and Tampere city’s local ECEC curriculum in the English language. Sunshine has 4 locations in Tampere (Hervanta, Pyynikki, Sorsapuisto and Ranta-Tampella*) with kindergarten, preschool, daycare and after-school club facilities. The original school is located in the International school, FISTA.
*Ranta-Tampella opens in January 2023; applications are open.
Sunshine's teaching program aims to provide children the best possible basis for further learning, and the wide array of activities includes arts and crafts, music, physical education and many more. Sunshine has a truly international environment, and strong emphasis is placed on development of social skills - courtesy, good manners, understanding and respect.

Pilke Kangasalan Enkku
Primary language: English
Kangasalan Enkku is a bilingual daycare centre that provides early childhood education in English and Finnish to children aged 1 - 6. There is also a pre-school in Pikonlinna. Monday-Friday 07:00‑17:00 (according to demand).
Pilke Kindergartens focus on growth and development of the whole child: emotional, social, physical, intellectual, cultural and moral / ethical. Pilke emphasizes positive feedback and confidence building, and believes high-quality education combined with activities and exercise provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning and readiness to act as a valuable member of society. Pilke’s goal is to give children a good day, every day!

Pilke Playschool Lempäälä
Primary language: English
Pilke Playschool Lempäälä provides early childhood education in Lempäälä, in a supportive, engaging and stimulating learning environment in which young children are encouraged to explore the world around them. Monday-Friday 07:00‑17:00 (according to demand).
Pilke Kindergartens focus on growth and development of the whole child: emotional, social, physical, intellectual, cultural and moral / ethical. Pilke emphasizes positive feedback and confidence building, and believes high-quality education combined with activities and exercise provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning and readiness to act as a valuable member of society. Pilke’s goal is to give children a good day, every day!

Pilke Päiväkoti Peppi & Bobby
Primary language: English
Pilke's Peppi & Bobby Kindergarten in Nokia provides English language oriented daycare Monday-Friday 06:15-17:15 (according to demand). There are two English language groups, for 3 - 4 year olds and 5 - 6 year olds.
Pilke Kindergartens focus on growth and development of the whole child: emotional, social, physical, intellectual, cultural and moral / ethical. Pilke emphasizes positive feedback and confidence building, and believes high-quality education combined with activities and exercise provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning and readiness to act as a valuable member of society. Pilke’s goal is to give children a good day, every day!

Pilke Tähtimetsä Kindergarten
Primary languages: Finnish & English
Located in Hirvensalo Turku, Tähtimetsä has 75 daycare places for children aged 1 - 6 years of age, Monday-Friday 07:00‑17:00.
Pilke Kindergartens focus on growth and development of the whole child: emotional, social, physical, intellectual, cultural and moral / ethical. Pilke emphasizes positive feedback and confidence building, and believes high-quality education combined with activities and exercise provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning and readiness to act as a valuable member of society. Pilke’s goal is to give children a good day, every day!

Wendy House
Ages 3-6, English & Finnish
Wendy House is a private English language playschool founded in 1972 and governed by The English Club of Turku ry. The teachers include both Finns and native English speakers, professional and compassionate, who offer children all the tools they need for learning and growing.

Pilke Pikkuponi, Little Pony
Primary languages: English, Finnish
Pilke Pikkuponi (Little Pony) in Pukinjärvi provides bilingual early childhood education for children aged 0 - 5, Monday-Friday 06:00‑18:00 (according to demand). English is used daily, including games and singing, along with Finnish to familiarize children with English and actively encourage them to use their new language. Bilingual education is in accordance with the principles of the National Plan for Early Childhood Education (2016).
Pilke Kindergartens focus on growth and development of the whole child: emotional, social, physical, intellectual, cultural and moral / ethical. Pilke emphasizes positive feedback and confidence building, and believes high-quality education combined with activities and exercise provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning and readiness to act as a valuable member of society. Pilke’s goal is to give children a good day, every day!