Preparatory education for basic education is intended for every student with an immigrant background whose Finnish language skills are not yet sufficient to study in basic education groups.

Preparatory education is provided for at least 6 hours for 10–900-year-olds and at least 1000 hours for those older than this. In practice, preparatory education lasts about a year. The education provider decides on the formation of teaching groups. The National Board of Education recommends that the group size for preparatory education is 8–10 students. Preparatory education can also be arranged for one student.

During preparatory education, students are integrated into pre-primary or primary education, if possible. Integration means, for example, that the student is in a Finnish-speaking group during an art or physical education class. The aim of integration is to promote integration and the development of study skills and Finnish language skills. Integration promotes interaction between students. Integrations are gradually increased as the student's Finnish language skills increase. The decision on integration is made by the principal in cooperation with the teachers.

In the Kankaanpää model, the student is initially placed in a preparatory education group, i.e. a VALO class, if one is available. The student's skill level, learning ability and motivation are determined in the everyday life of the VALO class. Based on this information and observations, the student is transferred to a fully Finnish-language class, when everyday school life is conducted in Finnish and the transfer supports the student's schooling. For children of the same age in preparatory education, the grade level of the Finnish-language class may vary. The decision is individual.

The VALO class is staffed by a teacher and a school counselor. It is a good idea to have the VALO class located in close proximity to the school. This way, the different classes, the gym, the craft rooms, a possible art class, the after-school playground, the cafeteria and, above all, the school's students become familiar with each other.

According to the Basic Education Act, pupils have the right to receive, in addition to teaching according to the curriculum, student guidance and sufficient support for learning and schooling. Support must be provided as soon as the need for support arises. This also applies to preparatory teaching, whether the pupil is in a VALO class or a Finnish-language class.

The aim of preparatory education

  • helps students integrate into Finnish society
  • guarantee them equal opportunities to attend school
  • support the growth and development of children and young people
  • provides the student with the skills to transition to basic education or, after reaching compulsory school age, to further studies.

Learning Finnish is the key to all of this. If necessary, the receiving teacher can assess the level of language proficiency using the Kielipuntari test, consulting with a special needs teacher, S2 teacher or study counselor.

Preparatory education continues for full semesters until the incomplete semester is completed. The end of funding for preparatory education does not mean the end of preparatory education. After the completion of preparatory education (900 hours or 1000 hours) and
At the end of the semester, the student receives a certificate from preparatory education and then continues in basic education as an S2 student.