Applying for and cancelling a place in early childhood education and care

You should apply for a place in early childhood education and care four months before the date on which you wish the care to start, or at the latest 2 weeks in advance if the need for care is due to the parents’ employment, studies or training. An application for a place in early childhood education and care remains valid for six months.

• • If you wish to apply for a place for your child in a municipal day-care centre or family day-care, fill in an application for a day care place.
  • If you wish to apply for a place for your child in a club, fill in an application for a club place.
  • When you apply for a place for your child in a private day-care centre or private family day care, first arrange the place with a private service provider and then fill in an application for a service voucher.

The preferences the family has expressed are taken into account when organising a place in early childhood education and care as far as possible. If necessary, you can make a transfer application for early childhood education, which is valid for one year from the date of submission.

The family will be contacted about their place at the latest two weeks before the requested start date of care.

If you need a place in early childhood education and care within two weeks of submitting your application, contact the centralised service guidance service by telephone or by e-mail.

If you or your child do not have a Finnish personal identity code, fill the Application for early childhood education and care and enrollment in pre-primary education

Changing a care place

If you wish to apply for a transfer to another unit for your child, fill in an application for change of care place.

The application for a change of care place remains valid for one year.

Cancelling a care place

The parents should cancel a care place either electronically in Edlevo or in writing. The cancellation must be made well in advance and at the latest one week before the child’s last day in care.