“The quality of early childhood education is developed through systematic evaluation. Evaluation is carried out at both national and local levels. Providers of early childhood education must evaluate, among other things, local early childhood education plans and their implementation. The evaluation of units focuses especially on how activities are organized and on the implementation of pedagogy. The child’s individual early childhood education plan (vasu) should also be evaluated together with the guardian at least once a year. Evaluation makes the strengths of early childhood education and the areas in need of development visible.” (OPH 2023)

How do we assess and develop early childhood education?

We assess and develop early childhood education in a planned way as part of everyday activities. The aim of evaluation is to ensure high-quality early childhood education, to identify strengths and to develop activities according to the needs of children and families. The evaluation involves:

• children,
• guardians,
• early childhood education staff.

We also use Karvi’s Valssi quality assessment system to support evaluation. With Valssi we assess the strengths of our activities and identify development needs together with staff, children and guardians.

Guardians involved in developing activities

You can participate in the evaluation of early childhood education, for example:

• in discussions about the child’s early childhood education plan (vasu discussion),
• at parent-teacher conferences,
• in feedback surveys.

Children’s voices are heard in the evaluation

We listen to children’s thoughts and experiences in everyday situations. In evaluation we use, for example, observation, conversations, interviews, children’s meetings, as well as various questionnaires and activity-based methods.

Evaluation guides development

We use information from evaluations in the planning and development of activities. We regularly examine, for example, practices, learning environments, interaction and the realization of children’s participation. The aim of evaluation is to improve the quality of early childhood education and children’s wellbeing.