Open early childhood education and care

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Notice Regarding Changes to the City of Tampere’s Open Early Childhood Education Services Effective September 1, 2026

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If your child does not participate in daycare activities or attend family-based day care that are arranged by a municipal or a private provider, he or she can attend open early childhood education clubs. Open early childhood education and care is a service that is alternative to full-time or part-time day care and to the private daycare allowance. Attending open early childhood education and care activities does not remove the parents’ right to receive a child home care allowance, which is granted by the Social Insurance Institution of Finland (Kela).

There are two kinds of playgroup clubs:

  • playgroup clubs for children of various ages: you need to submit an application and your child will attend the club alone
  • family clubs: open for children and their parents, and no application or registration is required

Playgroup clubs for children of various ages

You can submit an online application for a children’s club any time of the year. Attending the activities is limited to a maximum of 12 times a month, as further agreed. The duration of club activities is restricted to 3 hours at a time, either in the morning or in the afternoon. The family must opt for club activities that either are provided by the municipality or supported through service vouchers. You may not use both options at the same time. For the guardians, these clubs are free of charge. Some playgroup clubs are held in play activity centres.

Family clubs

You need not submit an application or register for joint open family clubs for parents and children — just pop in whenever you like. The activities are free of charge.

Meeting places for families with small children

Remember also to visit the family cafes, family houses and meeting places within the city of Tampere that are run by various providers.

Updated 31.3.2026