Are you wondering about international best practices? Kindiedays Co-founder Jessi van der Burgh made a compact summary of Finland’s Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) concept, including its historical and philosophical underpinnings, the key elements of why it works so well, and how it compares to well-known pedagogical approaches like Montessori, Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, and the theories of Piaget and Vygotsky.

1. Philosophical and Theoretical Influences

While Finland does not strictly follow any single branded methodology (like Montessori or Waldorf), it incorporates insights and best practices from various educational philosophers and theorists:

• Jean Piaget (1896–1980): Emphasized the importance of child-centered learning and the idea that children construct knowledge through hands-on experiences.
• Lev Vygotsky (1896–1934): Stressed the social context of learning, with a particular focus on language, interaction, and the “zone of proximal development,” where adults or peers scaffold children’s education to help them reach higher levels of understanding.

Finland’s ECEC also appreciates the value of creativity and independence found in methods like Montessori, the emphasis on holistic development in Waldorf, and the project-based, community-centered principles of Reggio Emilia. However, the Finnish ECEC blends these perspectives into a uniquely Finnish approach guided by national curricula and robust teacher training.

2. Finland’s Early Childhood Education Concept

The early years of a child’s education are a pivotal foundation for lifelong learning. With the ever-changing landscape of education, there is a growing demand for innovative approaches that blend cultural relevance with global best practices. Whether you want to expand your present curriculum or develop an entirely new curriculum, Kindiedays will support you.

This approach is equally valid for all countries where education is being renewed to modern standards.

Affordable, High-Quality Education for All

Traditionally, world-class education has come with a hefty price tag, often making it inaccessible to middle-income families. Kindiedays challenges this notion by delivering an affordable, child-centered, play-based, experiential learning program. Parents no longer need to compromise on quality due to budget constraints.

A Blended Curriculum for Holistic Growth

In today’s competitive preschool landscape, the key to success lies in creating an environment where both your business and your teachers thrive. As a preschool owner or center head, you know that happy parents and well-supported teachers are essential to delivering exceptional early childhood education. The question is: how can you align these priorities to achieve lasting success?

The Challenge: Balancing Priorities Across Your Organization

As a preschool owner or center head, your objectives are clear:

• Owners: You’re focused on driving admissions, ensuring parent satisfaction, and building a profitable, reputable preschool.
• Center Heads: You want to empower your teachers, enhance classroom quality, and foster collaboration with parents to ensure a seamless educational experience.

However, these goals often seem to pull in different directions, leaving gaps that affect the overall quality of your preschool. Building a connected ecosystem where everyone—owners, center heads, teachers, parents, and children—can succeed together is essential.

The Opportunity: Aligning Goals for Greater Impact

When your teachers feel supported and empowered, it directly impacts the experience of the children and parents in your preschool. Investing in your teachers isn’t just a cost—it’s a strategic move that drives admissions, strengthens your reputation, and creates a sustainable business model.

Here’s how you can achieve this alignment:

As the new year approaches, January 7, 2024, marks a pivotal moment for private preschools in India with the official launch of the Kindiedays Academy workshop program. Designed to empower educators and managers while driving business success for preschool owners, this initiative is the next step in transforming early childhood education with a unique Finnish-Indian curriculum.

Whether you aim to differentiate your preschool, improve parent satisfaction, or create a high-quality learning environment, now is the time to join the movement and renew your approach to early education.

Why Join Kindiedays Academy?

Kindiedays Academy workshops are built on Finland’s world-renowned pedagogical practices and tailored to Indian preschools. By participating, stakeholders—teachers, managers, and owners—can look forward to the following benefits:

Choosing the right curriculum partner is one of the most significant decisions you’ll make for your preschool. A well-designed curriculum shapes your school’s educational philosophy and helps you stand out in a competitive market. This is especially critical for private preschool owners in India as the demand for innovative, high-quality education grows. Below, we explore seven essential factors to consider when choosing a preschool curriculum partner to ensure your preschool offers the best for children, teachers, and parents.

1. A Clear Vision for Early Childhood Education

A reliable curriculum partner should have a strong vision and philosophy for early childhood education. Look for partners who:

• Emphasize holistic child development—focusing on cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth.
• Promote playful learning methods, as play is the cornerstone of early education in leading practices like Finland’s.
• Understand and respect the cultural values and expectations of Indian families.

A vision-driven partner ensures your preschool becomes a nurturing space that prepares children for lifelong learning.

2. Adaptation to Local Curriculum Standards

While Finnish early education practices are admired worldwide, they must be adapted to local cultural and regulatory requirements. A great curriculum partner will offer the following: