Jyväskylä Jyväskylä is Finland’s educational research capital, with early education programs shaped by the University of Jyväskylä’s faculty of education. Local kindergartens integrate research-based practices emphasizing emotional development and nature exploration. Specific activities include daily nature excursions, observation journals for forest findings, and “quiet corners” for self-regulation and mindfulness. The TRACE research group studies transitions in early childhood, and many local institutions apply their findings by creating “transition portfolios” that document each child’s learning journey across stages. Forest kindergarten models, common in the city, feature storytelling in nature, shelter-building, and foraging walks to promote autonomy and environmental respect. Professional development is research-driven, and teachers are often involved in university-led projects. Inclusive approaches include peer-buddy systems and special support plans. Jyväskylä’s holistic model blends outdoor learning, developmental psychology, and inclusive practice to nurture curiosity, empathy, and resilience.

ユヴァスキュラ ユヴァスキュラは、フィンランドの教育研究の中心地として知られており、ユヴァスキュラ大学の教育学部が主導する実践的な研究成果が地域の幼児教育に活かされています。地域の保育施設では、感情の発達や自然を通じた学習を重視した教育実践が行われています。代表的な活動には、日々の自然探検、森の観察日記の作成、静かな「自己調整コーナー」でのマインドフルネス活動が含まれます。TRACE研究グループによる移行期に関する研究に基づき、「トランジション・ポートフォリオ」などの取り組みも実施され、子ども一人ひとりの学習の軌跡を丁寧に記録しています。森林型幼稚園では、自然の中での物語活動、シェルターづくり、植物採集などを通して自主性と環境意識を育みます。包括的なアプローチと研究に基づく教育実践により、ユヴァスキュラは探究心・共感性・回復力を育てる理想的な学びの環境を提供しています。

Espoo Espoo, located adjacent to Helsinki, is known for its tech-oriented and STEAM-based early childhood education. The city’s preschools engage children in structured innovation projects such as building circuits with Snap Circuits Jr., programming mini-robots like Blue-Bots, and integrating digital art through apps like Tux Paint. The ‘Little Inventors’ initiative encourages children to design imaginary machines, blending creativity and engineering. Small group sizes enable educators to tailor instruction, often through weekly inquiry cycles where children propose questions and explore them through experiments and fieldwork. Collaboration with Aalto University and companies in Espoo’s Otaniemi tech hub enables pilot programs using VR storytelling and AI-assisted learning feedback. Teachers are trained in Espoo’s pedagogical model that blends scientific inquiry, emotional development, and digital fluency. Flexible services support multilingual families and working parents. Overall, Espoo’s early education stands out for its systematic implementation of future-focused skills starting in preschool.