Töölö (3-6yo Unit)

Contact Details

Finnish-American Kindergarten
Arkadiankatu 35
00100 Helsinki

Welcome to Finnish American Kindergarten in Töölö!

This location is the most recent addition to the Finnish American Kindergarten Company, opening in 2015 and catering for children aged 3-6 years (including Preschool). This branch offers a very close knit international community with 8 staff members bringing expertise from a wide range of backgrounds and qualifications.

The open plan building allows the 3-5yo children to play and learn in a social environment where all children and staff members know each other well, from the youngest to the oldest!

Our Preschool group has their own room, where they have activities and projects according to the children’s wants and have weekly Finnish lessons too!

We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum (U.K.) and also incorporate recommendations from Finnish National Core Curriculum for Early Childhood Education and Care as well as the City of Helsinki Curriculum for Early Childhood and Preschool Education.   We strive to develop a joy of learning in each child and follow weekly themes, guided by our children’s own interests.

We pride ourselves on professionalism and our commitment to both the children and parents but most of all making each day filled with FUN!!

Our groups

3 - 5 Year Olds

In our main unit, we have space for up to 38 children ranging in age from 3 – 6 years old.

The children have their own designated age group. Each age group has their individual identity and a teacher who plans, teaches, observes and assesses each child in that group. The groups carry out two ‘work’ sessions a day with their teacher focusing on adult directed activities based around our theme of the week.

The children also have opportunities for structured play (linked to the theme) throughout the day which allows them to socialise with the different age groups and develop important friendship skills.

Pre-schoolers

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.  We also integrate the EYFS Key Stage 1 U.K. curriculum.

Pre school children work to a more formal timetable and are required to have 4 hours of pre school education a day. As our places are full time this requirement is met over the daily routine.

The pre school group are taught in a classroom environment but also spend their free play time with the younger ages. This is vital as the children need to develop independence, confidence, problem solving abilities and skills that will enable them to make the transition into 1st Grade, whether in the finnish primary system or in an international schools.

The children will be taught by a qualified teacher who is able to deliver the pre school curriculum.

Extra Curricular Activities

At Töölö 2 we have our own Gym Space. We not only teach focused Gym Sessions to each group every week, we also host a music club (International School of Music) and a drama club (Art is More workshops) for Töölö children only (all ages).

Parents can register and enrol with these companies if they want their child to take part. Parents will be invoiced by the appropriate company.

Daily Programme for 3-6 year olds

  • 8:00 – 9:00
    Doors open, parents and children welcomed, table activities set out. Breakfast is available 8:15-8:45.
  • 9:15- 9:45
    Circle Time. We go through our daily routines (registration, calendar), we discuss our topic for that week, we have our song of the week and play games related to the theme.
  • 10:00 – 10:45
    Play and work time. Children work in small groups with their teacher, then choose structured play activities available. Each age group has it’s own teacher.
  • 10:45 – 11:00
    Story Time. Children will listen to stories link to the weekly theme.
  • 11:00 – 11.30
    Lunch time. Our lunches are delivered by Fazer Food Services. Children with special diets can be catered for.
  • 11:30 – 12:30
    Nap time is available for 3-4 year-olds. Non-nappers: Quiet reading and dressing for outdoor play.
  • 12:00 – 13:30
    Outdoor play
  • 13:45 – 14:30
    Afternoon Activity Time
  • 14:30 – 14:55
    Snack time
  • 14:55 – 15:15
    Story time
  • 15:15 – 16:45
    Dress up and go to park. Parents pick up from park
  • 16:45 – 17:00
    Return to the kindergarten/quiet reading/pick up time

Areas of Development

  • Throughout the year, we explore these areas through integrated themes and projects. While we have established themes like seasons and holidays, we truly value the children’s interests, allowing their curiosity to shape our learning journey.
    This approach keeps education exciting and meaningful, ensuring that every child flourishes in our warm and welcoming environment.
  • Thinking and Learning: We believe in nurturing curiosity and creativity through playful activities. Our children are encouraged to experiment, discover, and reflect on their experiences, nurturing a lifelong love of learning.
  • Literacy and Technology: In our increasingly connected world, communication takes many forms. Our children engage with stories, music, art, and technology, becoming adept and comfortable in sharing their thoughts and ideas.
  • Participation and Relationships: We foster a strong sense of belonging by encouraging children to take part in group activities. This collaborative spirit helps them learn the value of teamwork, the joy of sharing ideas, and the importance of building lasting friendships.
  • Self-Care and Daily Routines: Supporting independence is essential. We guide children in taking care of themselves and their belongings, helping them develop valuable life skills. Through daily routines, they gain confidence and readiness for the future.
  • Life Skills and Transversal Competences: We emphasize life skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience. By weaving these essential competencies into our activities, we equip children to adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world.

The kindergarten follows the following work and holiday schedule for the 2026-27 term:

First day of term: Monday, August 3, 2026

Last day of term: Wednesday, December 23, 2026

Winter holidays: Thursday, December 24, 2026 – Wednesday, January 6, 2027

First day of spring term: Thursday, January 7, 2027

Easter: Friday, March 26, 2027 – Monday, March 29, 2027

Ascension: Thursday, May 6, 2027

Midsummer: Friday, June 25, 2027

Last day of term: Wednesday, June 30, 2027

Summer holidays: Thursday July 1 2027- Sunday, August 1, 2027