Frequently asked questions

The operational year for early childhood education is from August 1 to July 31.

Efforts are made to arrange a child’s place of care according to the parents’ wishes. However, it is not always possible to place the child in the desired location, for example, if the daycare is full, in which case the municipality will determine the best possible alternative place of care. Early childhood education for the child is applied for through one of the following service options:

• 1-15 hours/week, maximum 63 hours/month, payment percentage 40% of the full-time care fee
• 16-24 hours/week, maximum 101 hours/month, payment rate 60% of the full-time care fee
• 25-35 hours/week, maximum 147 hours/month, payment rate 80% of the full-time care fee
• 36 hours per week or more / at least 148 hours per month, payment rate 100%
• Hourly early childhood education complementing preschool under 5 hours/day, fee 60% of full-day care price

In the municipality of Tervola, early childhood education is provided at the Loue group family daycare home, the Kirkonkylä group family daycare home, and the Lapinniemi daycare center, which has the following units: Tupukat 1 (ages 1–3), Tupukat 2 (ages 1–3), Mukelot (ages 3–4), Vekarat (ages 4–5), and an early childhood education group complementing pre-primary education (age 6). Additionally, at Loue School, there is an early childhood education group complementing pre-primary education. The early childhood education units are usually open from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., according to the children’s care schedules.

Care is provided at Lapinniemi Daycare for children who need evening, night, and weekend care.

In early childhood education, your child will be provided with breakfast, lunch, and a snack, dinner, and an evening snack depending on the hours of use of the early childhood education (meals according to the care reserved for the child). Special diets require a certificate from a healthcare professional, which must be submitted to the early childhood education center in advance. After each meal, children take a xylitol lozenge.

Care times

When early childhood education begins, the child’s care schedule is defined. Agreed care times must be adhered to. The working hours of early childhood education staff are tied to the children’s pre-notified care times.

The need for a child’s care must be reported no later than by 24:00 on Sunday, a week in advance. Care times are booked for the entire week at once and cannot be changed afterwards. Based on the children’s care time notifications, staff work schedules are prepared.

Absences

If a child is absent from early childhood education due to illness or another reason, we ask guardians to notify us as soon as possible.

Any rapid changes or cancellations of care times should also be reported as soon as possible.

When you no longer need a place in early childhood education, cancel your child’s place well in advance (2 weeks prior) with the early childhood education director in writing (this also applies to children starting school). This ensures that early childhood education billing for you will stop.

Holiday periods

The most common holiday periods bring changes to early childhood education opening hours. During the autumn break week, at Christmas, during the winter break week, and in the summer, early childhood education units, including family day care, combine their activities.

Parents’ holidays and days off are also, in the best interest of the child, the child’s days off. Children should also be guaranteed days off and holiday periods with their family.

Shift care

A child has the right to shift care if their custodians’ or single custodian’s full-time work or studies occur at atypical and varying times, so that the child also needs care in the evenings, at night, or on weekends.

What should a child take in their backpack from home?

In early childhood education, children need outdoor clothing and shoes suitable for all weather conditions. Both outdoor and indoor clothes should be comfortable for the child to move around and play in, and they should be things that don’t need to be kept clean at all costs. Children should have spare clothes in their backpack or daycare bag in case of dirt or wetness, as well as indoor slippers or shoes. In the summer, it’s a good idea to bring your own sunscreen, a water bottle, and separate outdoor and indoor clothes for the child.

For young children, parents bring diapers and pacifiers. You can also bring a beloved comfort item for extra security and comfort during the daycare day. Daily routines go more smoothly if parents label their child’s clothes and belongings with the child’s name. This also helps avoid many clothing mix-ups and losses. Parents are responsible for the care, washing, and maintenance of their child’s clothes and belongings.

Everyday life in early childhood education

A good, balanced daily life with familiar routines is important for a child. Early childhood education consists of healthy nutrition, adequate rest, regular outdoor activities, and personal hygiene. A regular rhythm provides children with a sense of security. Early childhood education includes a variety of activities and play appropriate for the child’s age and development level, both indoors and outdoors. The child’s parents convey the child to care. Early childhood education staff should be aware if someone else is bringing or picking up the child from care.

We go outside with the children daily, in almost any weather. Naturally, outdoor activities also take weather conditions into account, such as the sharpness of the cold combined with the wind. Outdoor time includes not only play but also walks, trips, skating, and skiing.

The care day also includes a daytime nap. Young children need proper naps to have the energy to play with their families in the evening. For many older children, a shorter rest period is sufficient. During the rest period, things are calmed down, and the moment is made pleasantly quiet. It may include reading stories or listening to calm music.

A sick child cannot be brought to early childhood education. The child can return to early childhood education only when they are healthy and there is no longer a risk of infection. A child is considered healthy when they can play and participate in the activities at the early childhood education setting without needing special attention. You can find more information about contagious diseases in preschool-aged children and when a child can return to early childhood education after being ill in Finnish here.