At Riihimäki, every child is met – the basics of everyday life support learning and growth

Early childhood education, primary education and upper secondary education focus on everyday encounters, literacy and concentration. Pro-activities develop interaction skills and support the growth of children and young people in a safe and inspiring environment.

In Riihimäki, the everyday life of early childhood education, basic education and upper secondary school is guided by the idea that every child is met, seen and heard every day. The city strengthens interaction, emotional regulation, reading skills and concentration, as these skills create the foundation for well-being and learning.

Terhi Joki, Head of Early Childhood Education, says that the staff consciously thinks about what actions will make a child's day safe. The child is greeted personally and at different times of the day, attention is paid to how we act together.

"We practice working in a group, verbalizing desired behavior, giving thanks and rejoicing in the community's successes. Each child receives positive encounters and the calm attention of an adult," Joki says.

Positively learning in groups, or PRO, is used in all age groups. The operating model teaches emotional and interaction skills through concrete means. According to the staff, the change is already visible in better group dynamics and the children's ability to see the effects of their own actions. Guardians are involved in the same rules of the game, which creates a common line between home and educational institutions.

Head of Education Outi Ervasti says that Riihimäki places particular emphasis on literacy and concentration. The "Permission to Read" moment takes place every day from early childhood education to upper secondary school. In daycare centers, adults read, and in schools and upper secondary school, students immerse themselves in their own books.

“Teachers say that reading is now more relaxed and their enthusiasm for reading has increased,” says Ervasti.

Reading flashes, author visits and ideas from the literacy network support this work.

The aim is to organize learning support so that the child receives the help they need in their own group and in their own local school. The city and welfare area's operating model brings professionals together quickly so that families can receive help without having to go door to door.

Riihimäki is known for its robotics education from early childhood education to upper secondary school. It combines digital pedagogy and functional teaching: planning, discussing, experimenting and building together. Robotics offers concrete situations for practicing cooperation skills. The same skills that pro-activities support.

All development work is united by UNICEF's Child Friendly Municipality recognition. It guides the construction of a growth environment where children's rights are reflected in everyday life and in the city's operations.

The long-term goal is for the child to feel their environment is safe and encouraging, so that they want to stay or return to Riihimäki later.

Riihimäki is a UNICEF Child Friendly Municipality

• Riihimäki received the recognition in 2023. In Finland, 39 municipalities have the recognition.
• The goal is for children's rights to be reflected in decision-making and everyday practices.
• This means consulting children, equal opportunities for participation and child impact assessments.
• Pro-activity supports goals in all age groups