Apply for an early childhood education place for your child by March 31st at the latest

If you have a child in your family for whom you need an early childhood education place starting in August 2026, apply for a place no later than March 31, 2026. Applications for early childhood education organized by the city are generally made four months before the desired start date.

Apply in the eDaisy serviceAn application submitted by the end of March significantly improves the chances of getting an early childhood education place that meets the family's wishes.

If the need for early childhood education suddenly arises, for example due to a change in work or study situation, and the four-month application period is not possible, submit the application as soon as the need arises. In this case, it is good to note that a place may not necessarily be granted in the early childhood education place you primarily wanted, but the child will be offered a place in the unit where there is a vacancy.

Riihimäki early childhood education emphasizes play, the joy of learning and exercise. Activities focus on strengthening social and emotional skills. Children also get to know robotics already in early childhood education through play, exploration and experimentation. Linguistic skills and reading are practiced under the guidance of adults using a variety of methods.

Riihimäki has approximately 1,000 children in early childhood education in daycare centers, family daycare, and preschool annually.

You can find more information about applying for early childhood education on the early childhood education page.

As alternative an open daycare club

Applying for open daycare in Aapeli clubs is also relevant for the 2026–2027 season. The club is open for three hours a day, either in the morning or in the afternoon, depending on the family's choice. The club is attended one or two days a week.

Applications for clubs are made using an electronic early childhood education application. Continuing club members also apply again. Children aged 3–5 who are not in early childhood education can apply for clubs.

Apply for a club place using the electronic application in the eDaisy service. There is an ongoing application process for clubs.

The clubs are intended for children aged 3–5 who are in home care. The clubs are child-oriented, low-threshold activities and are run by early childhood education professionals. If you have been considering enrolling your child in early childhood education, but are not sure if the time is right and you want to keep your child in home care, club activities are a good option.

See more about club fees, among other things, on the open daycare center Aapeli page.