Ruoholahti
Our Ruoholahti center is located near Ruoholahti metro station, and is easily reached using trams 6, 6T, 7, 8, and 9. Our team is very diverse, coming from several different countries, and having degrees and qualifications in varied concentrations related to children’s health, development, and education. We put a lot of focus on children feeling safe and happy, being able to express their thoughts and interests, learning independence, and gaining tons of self-confidence and enthusiasm for learning before going off to school. Our house values equality, respect, and communication. We enroll children from age 3 (must be fully toilet trained) through preschool (age 6), and have space for 42 children in total. Children are divided into groups during work time, based on the year of birth, and each group has one or two key teachers, depending on the size of the group. We want to work together with parents to hear your thoughts, answer your questions, and earn your trust, so that together we can give your child the absolute best kindergarten experience possible! Give us a call if you want to know more. We look forward to speaking with you!
Contact Details
Finnish-American Kindergarten
Itämerenkatu 2B
00180 Helsinki
Mobile: 040967 2566
Email: ashley@finnamkindergarten.com
Sijaintimme
Itämerenkatu 2B
00180 Helsinki
Sijaintimme
Itämerenkatu 2, 00180 Helsinki, Finland
Building Trust
We place importance on making sure your child feels safe and comfortable in our care. This starts by having an easy-to-follow routine in place so that children can rely on structure, knowing what is on the schedule for the day. With that said, staff are friendly and flexible, able to give support and comfort, in Finnish as well if needed. We want to build a trusting rapport with each child, and make sure they know we care about and value them as a member of our community.
Global Citizenship
Our families and our staff are a multi-cultural bunch, and we celebrate diversity and respect. Children who gain exposure to such a rich array of backgrounds and ideas at a young age grow up with understanding, openness, and respect for the global community. We care about the Earth, and teach children to make sustainable choices. Environmental awareness is the first step toward making better long-term choices for our planet.
Our Groups
Sunny Bees
Our 3-4 year olds group. Some little ones join us with no knowledge of English…That’s okay! They learn through play, making friends, and their desire for independence. We know joining kindergarten for the first time can be a big step for children and parents. We are here to support your family and make kindergarten something your child enjoys and looks forward to!
Continuing interpersonal skills, motor development, and encouraging independence are the main focal areas this year. Children this age start to learn how to resolve conflicts among friends. We provide a safe setting in which children can practice their emerging social skills.
Our Groups
Shooting Stars
Our 5 year olds group. Children are more confident to express their individual interests! We tailor themes to what the children have shown us they’re excited about. We give the children a diverse array of activities and projects, along with the flexibility to let each child explore in their own way.
Preschoolers
We are an accredited part of the Helsinki city pre-school system, following Finnish National Core Curriculum for Early Childhood Education and Care as well as the City of Helsinki Curriculum for Early Childhood and Preschool Education. The focus is on self-confidence, excitement for learning, respect for others, independence, and problem solving. We dedicate time to literacy, math, natural sciences, music, and physical health.
Our Daily Routines
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8.00 – 9.30 Doors open, parents and children welcomed for table activities. Breakfast is served 8:45-9:00 |
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8:45 – 9.15 Breakfast is served until 9:00, children who aren’t eating with us have playtime. |
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9.30 – 11.00 Activity and play time. Each age group has its own teacher. Activities are based on weekly themes and incorporate all areas of development. |
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11.00 – 11.30 Circle Time. We discuss current topics, sing songs, or read stories with all the children together. |
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11.30 – 12.30 Lunch Time: Our lunches are delivered by AMICA. Children with special diets can be catered for. Then we dress up for outdoor play. |
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12.30 – 14.30 Outdoor play. If the weather conditions are extremely bad we can have activities indoors. |
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14.30 – 15.15 Snack Time: The children come inside and prepare for snack, which is provided by the kindergarten. |
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15.15 – 16.30 Play/work time, the focus is on creative activities and personal interest projects. |
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16:30-17:00: Children tidy up and get ready to go home. Final pick-up time. |
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17.00 Kindergarten Closed. |
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Our Daily Routines
- 8.00 – 9.00
Doors open, parents and children welcomed for table activities. Breakfast is served from 8:45-9:00. - 9.15 – 9.30
Circle time. We prepare for the day, we sing, learn rhymes, play games, discuss any issues that have arisen, and built a community feeling. - 9.30 – 11.00
Activity and play time. Each age group has its own teacher. Activities are based on weekly themes and incorporate all areas of development. - 11.00 – 11.30
Lunch time. Our lunches are delivered by AMICA. Children with special diets can be catered for. - 11.30 – 12.00
Storytime. - 12.00 – 13.15
Outdoor play. If the weather conditions are extremely bad we can have activities indoors. - 13.15 – 14.00
Afternoon circle: Children have a relaxing moment, meditate, hear a story, or listen to music. Honey Honies have the option to nap separately if needed. - 14.00 – 14.45
Play/work time, the focus is on creative activities. - 14.45 – 15.15
Snack time: Provided by the kindergarten. - 15.15 – 16.00
Storytime and dress for evening park. - 16.00-17.00
Evening park. Kindergarten program ends.
The kindergarten follows the following work and holiday schedule for the 2023-24 term:
1st Day
August 1 (Monday)
Closures and exceptions
December 6: Independence Day
December 23 – January 7: Christmas holiday
March 29 – April 1: Easter holiday
May 1: May Day
May 9: Ascension Day
June 21 – July 31: Summer holiday
Last day
June 20
August 2 (Monday)
First day of term
December 23-January 7:
Christmas holiday
Closed
March 29 – April 1: Easter holiday
Closed
May 9: Ascension Day
Closed
June 20
Last day of term
June 21-July 31:
Summer holiday