Daycare and education guidance
International House Helsinki’s daycare and education guidance service helps families moving to and living in Helsinki with queries about daycare, pre-primary and basic education services, and playground and club activities.
People using the service can ask for advice about application processes and receive consultation on different daycare and school options in the capital region. Service is available in Finnish and English.
Guide to early childhood education & care in Helsinki
Options for basic education in Helsinki
Book an appointment
Please note: Deycare and Education Guidance will be closed from 23 December 2024 to 6 January 2025.
If you need guidance, please book an online appointment. You can also contact the Daycare and education guidance service by phone on Tuesdays 8.00–10.00 and on Thursdays 14.00–16.00 or by email.
By phone: +358 (0) 9 310 38998
By email: eduguidance@hel.fi
Please note: Deycare and Education Guidance will be closed from 23 December 2024 to 6 January 2025.
FAQ
You can find information about daycare, pre-primary education and different early childhood education options on the City of Helsinki’ website.
We recommend reading the guide for international families which introduces the options for basic education in different languages in Helsinki.
Basic education is compulsory for all children living permanently in Finland. It starts in the year a child turns seven. Before the beginning of basic education, children must attend one year of pre-primary education in the year they turn six.
Basic education covers grades 1-9. Compulsory schooling is until the age of 18, which means that after finishing basic education, young people will have to move on to study in upper secondary education.
