Support for development and learning in early childhood education and care

Loimaa in early childhood education and care, the provision of child support is part of the early childhood education and care. Identifying and addressing the child’s need for support and early initiation of support measures contribute to the child’s holistic development, well-being and learning.

The child can need support, for example:

• in the motor bank
• speech and language development
• social and emotional development
• attention and concentration
• outlining
• because of an injury or long-term illness.

The support planned for the child and its assessment are recorded in the early childhood education plan, the pre-primary education learning plan or the individual education plan (IEP) in cooperation with the child and the guardians. The plan sets out the responsibilities and division of tasks, the support measures and the way in which they are implemented and evaluated in relation to supporting the child’s development and learning.

The plan is drawn up with the participation, as appropriate, of experts or other relevant parties who support the child’s development and learning. Support is provided primarily in the child’s own early years group, with a range of flexible arrangements.

Loimaa has six consultant teachers for special needs in early childhood education (Veo) and one S2 (Finnish as a second language) teacher. The task of the early childhood special education teacher is to guide and consult the early childhood education staff in matters related to supporting children’s growth and learning, and in the observation and assessment of support needs.

Together with parents and staff, Veo is working on pedagogical methods and solutions to support children’s growth, development and learning. If necessary, Veo refers the child and family to support, research and rehabilitation.

Contact information
Consulted by special teachers in early childhood education:

Savolainen Karoliina tel.+358 50 356 7455
Tuomola Eija tel. +358 50 554 1090
Mykkänen Annikaisa tel. +358 40 564 6257
Rissanen Alli tel.+358 50 305 5160
Isotalo Päivi tel. +358 40 486 5478
Vanha-Perttula Sanna tel.+358 40 351 8257

Neuropsychiatric supervisor of early childhood education:
Heikkilä Heidi tel.+358 40 156 3086