Enrolment in pre-primary education

Registration instructions will be updated on the page in December 2026.

Pre-primary education is systematic and goal-oriented early childhood education for six-year-olds, provided by a daycare centre or a school. The operations are based on the National Core Curriculum for Pre-primary Education and the Kuopio Curriculum for Pre-primary Education.

Participation in pre-primary education is compulsory under the Basic Education Act. The child’s guardian is responsible for ensuring that the child participates in pre-primary education or in other activities that achieve the objectives of pre-primary education during the school year preceding the start of compulsory education. The pre-primary education year largely follows the school term and holiday schedule.

Children entitled to free pre-primary education under the Basic Education Act (4 hours on weekdays) in the 2026–2027 school year include all children born in 2020.  In addition, seven-year-olds whose start of compulsory education has been deferred. Pre-primary education is also provided for children for whom a decision has been made to start basic education earlier than prescribed.

It is also possible to apply for pre-primary education after the official registration and application period via the Early Childhood Education Online Service. In such cases, the child will, whenever possible, be assigned a place at the location requested by the guardian, or at the location closest to the child’s home that has available places.

Centralised service guidance service

e-mail: varhaiskasvatus.palveluohjaus@kuopio.fi

tel: 044 718 7070

The telephone service hours of Early Childhood Education Service Guidance are generally Monday–Tuesday 9:00–11:30 and Wednesday 12:00–15:00.