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.

エスポー 首都ヘルシンキに隣接するエスポー市は、テクノロジー志向とSTEAM教育（科学・技術・工学・芸術・数学）の導入で知られる幼児教育先進地域です。幼稚園では、Snap Circuits Jr.を使った回路作り、Blue-Botsを使った簡単なプログラミング、Tux Paintでのデジタルアート制作などの革新的なプロジェクトに子どもたちが参加します。「リトル・インベンターズ」プロジェクトでは、子どもたちが空想上の機械を設計し、創造性とエンジニアリング的思考を育みます。少人数制のクラス運営により、子ども一人ひとりの興味や発達に合わせた個別対応が可能であり、毎週の探究サイクルを通じて、子どもたちは実験や野外観察を通して自らの問いを深めていきます。アールト大学やオタニエミのテクノロジー企業との連携により、VRストーリーテリングやAIを活用した学習支援の導入も進んでいます。エスポーの教育は、子どもたちに未来志向のスキルを幼少期から育む点で特筆されます。

Helsinki

Helsinki, Finland’s capital, is a leader in multilingual and play-based early childhood education. The city offers public daycare and preschool programs emphasizing Finnish-English or Finnish-Swedish bilingualism, with some institutions including languages such as Russian or Somali. Specific activities include tablet-assisted storytelling, digital puppet shows, and multilingual song circles, designed to strengthen both language and digital literacy. Guided play is central, with projects such as coding basics using apps like Kodarit and Bee-Bots, and virtual nature walks to explore environmental topics. Helsinki collaborates with the University of Helsinki on initiatives like the VOIKO project, which studies the integration of music and language in multilingual settings. Cultural responsiveness is also prioritized, with educators trained to support immigrant families and incorporate diverse traditions into classroom life. With its emphasis on digital pedagogy, language development, and inclusive curriculum design, Helsinki serves as a model for adaptable and innovative early education.