Pre-primary education in Jyväskylä during 2025-2026

The key task ofpre-primary education is to promote the child's conditions for growth, development and learning. The activities are planned in a child-oriented manner and their purpose is to strengthen the child's positive self-image and perception of themselves as learners.

Free pre-primary education is attended by six-year-olds, children in extended compulsory education and seven-year-olds whose start of basic education has been postponed by one year. In Finland every child must participate in pre-primary education, and the guardian is responsible for attending. The school year for pre-primary education ends on 30.5.2026. During the year, school holidays are observed. Holidays in Jyväskylä website

Changes to the support provided in pre-school education as of 1.8.2025

The reform of the support for pre-primary and basic education, which has entered into force on 1 August 2025, brought changes to the organisation of learning and participation in pre-school education as well as support for school attendance. In accordance with the new law and criteria, the operating culture will be developed so that every child can feel that they are part of a teaching group.

In the future, the learning of all children in pre-primary education will be supported by teaching arrangements that support the prerequisites for learning and group-specific forms of support in accordance with the needs of the group and the children, instead of three-tier support.

The school year 2025–2026 is a transition year, during which the need for support for those receiving the current intensified or special support will be assessed and the support measures will be updated to comply with the new Act. The need for support is assessed in cooperation with the child and guardians.

Change in the fee for early childhood education and care supplementing pre-primary education as of 1.8.2025

Pre-primary education is free of charge for families. If a child needs early childhood education that complements pre-primary education, the monthly fee from 1.8.2025 onwards is:

• A maximum of 187 euros, if 0–84 hours of early childhood education and care are needed per month to complement pre-primary education.
• A maximum of 202 euros, if the amount of supplementary early childhood education and care is 85 hours or more per month.

Further information: 
Service Director Leena Sankilampi, Early Childhood Education Services, tel. 040 626 2420