SMART Community Review (SCR) Teacher education in Finland | Page 20

requirements. Consequently, the results are not
used for ranking the schools.
In higher education universities of applied
sciences and universities are responsible for
the evaluation of their own operations and
outcomes. In this they are supported by a
national body that is responsible for developing
the quality of education.
Early childhood and
basic education as part
of life-long learning
Early childhood education supports
children’s development and learning
Early childhood education and care comprises
care, education and teaching to support
children’s balanced growth, development and
learning. Every child has a subjective right to
attend early childhood education and care. It
can take place at kindergartens or smaller family
day-care groups in private homes. The fees are
moderate and are based on parental income.
Pre-primary education is compulsory for
children of the age of six. Pre-primary education
is provided both in kindergartens and in schools.
At pre-primary education children adopt basic
14  Finnish education in a nutshell