From May 25 to May 29, 2025, a group of 17 teachers, early childhood educators, pedagogical specialists, and daycare managers from Germany participated in an Erasmus+ mobility program in Jyväskylä, Finland.
The participants represented several German early childhood education institutions, including Mittelhof e.V., Jane Addams Schule, CJD Kita Scheelestraße, and Berufliche Schule „Alexander Schmorell“. This educational experience was organized by Experience Workshop in collaboration with Gesellschaft für Europabildung (GEB) Berlin, focusing on Finland’s renowned approach to early childhood education and care (ECEC).
Discovering Finnish Pedagogy and Early Learning Practices
The program began with an introduction to Jyväskylä’s educational heritage, offering participants a deeper understanding of the city’s role in Finnish pedagogy. The city tour led the group to the Matti-Mäki Family Park, free public park with its own clubs and activities for all families in Jyväskylä. A key session featured Olli Merjovaara’s presentation on the Finnish ECEC system, held at Crazy Town Jyväskylä. Participants learned about Finland’s child-centered approach, where play, autonomy, and well-being are fundamental to early learning.
Later on the discussion shifted into the topic of digitalization in early childhood education, practical implementations and also challenges were shared between the delegation from Jane Addams Schule, Berufliche Schule „Alexander Schmorell“, German interns in Finland: Tamara Traiser and Frederic Gottlieb, and Olli Merjovaara.
The first site visit was to the Arkki-Parkki private daycare center, where teacher Ágnes Lak Losonc demonstrated how art education enhances creativity and social-emotional development. The daycare’s philosophy focuses on a loving, secure environment, where children engage in diverse artistic activities.
At Voionmaa pre-school, the group met Tamara Traiser, a German trainee completing an Erasmus+ internship with Experience Workshop in Jyväskylä. She shared her experiences with digital tools in preschool education and discussed how Finnish educators prepare children for primary school through play-based and exploratory learning.
Innovative Daycare Models and Inclusive Practices
One of the most striking insights came from the visit to Kukkumäki daycare, a facility designed to support families with non-traditional working hours. Special education teacher Sanna Leppänen explained how the daycare operates from 5 AM to 10:30 PM, ensuring accessibility for all children, promoting Finland’s commitment to inclusive and flexible early childhood education, adapting to the needs of modern families.
Science Education in Early Childhood
A particularly engaging session took place at the LUMA Center Jyväskylä, part of Finland’s national network for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. Anniina Koliseva led a hands-on science demonstration for preschoolers, showcasing how Finland introduces young learners to scientific thinking through experimentation and play.
Reflection and Certification
The program concluded with a reflection and certification session at the Soihtu Museum Exhibition Center of the University of Jyväskylä, led by Dr. Kristof Fenyvesi, STEAM Director of Experience Workshop. Participants discussed key takeaways, including the role of play in learning, the current state of integration of digital tools, and the importance of flexible childcare models.
Feedback from the participants
”Seeing different education systems firsthand was fascinating—especially preschool approaches.”
”The mix of theory and visits to daycare centres made this trip incredibly valuable. The international exchange was unforgettable!”
”Small differences in education (like daily naps and spacious classrooms) make a big impact.”
”I learned so much—especially about preschool’s role, child well-being, and even improved my English!”
”Simple changes—more movement, focus on well-being—will shape my teaching. Even biking more, thanks to the inspiration!”
Photo credits: Tereza Pruknerová
The program was implemented as part of the Erasmus+ KA1 programme, with the contribution of Experience Workshop Jyväskylä and the Gesellschaft für Europabildung (GEB) Berlin.
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