Early childhood and pre-primary education

Support for growth, learning and well-being

The organisation of support for children is outlined in the early childhood education plan or the pre-primary education plan. Support, which consists of general, intensified or special support, is provided to meet each child’s individual needs in early childhood and pre-primary education, and when transitioning to basic education. The provided support can include different forms of pedagogical, structural and therapeutic support. Within early childhood education, children may be provided the support they need even if special educational needs have not previously been identified. The level of support fluctuates flexibly in accordance with the individual needs of each child. Support is provided for children as an inclusive part of their early childhood education. 

Any support provided during early childhood education must be coordinated with support provided during pre-primary education and recorded in the child’s early childhood education plan.

General support is available to all children as soon as the need for support is identified. General support is one of the basic aspects of early childhood education and pre-primary education and is comprised of individual forms of support. All forms of pedagogical, structural and therapeutic support as well as the methods of co-operation and consultation are also utilised as needed within general support. General support does not require an administrative action. No administrative action is made on general support. However, when the child is under general support, an administrative action will be made on possible support services.

Intensified support is individually and usually multiprofessionally planned and is more intensive than general support. Intensified support measures begin immediately when a need is identified, and may be short-term or long-term, depending on the child’s needs. Intensified support consists of various forms of support provided simultaneously and on a regular basis. An administrative action is required for intensified support provided during early childhood education.

Special needs support is the highest level of support provided during early childhood education and pre-primary education. It is comprised of multiple forms of support and support services. Special support means continuous, full-time support. Within early childhood education, special support can be initiated as soon as the need arises. Special support is documented in the child’s individual education plan (IEP). An administrative action is required for special support as part of early childhood education and pre-primary education.