Development and learning support

A child has the right to receive support for their growth and learning in the areas of physical, cognitive, technical, emotional or social development. Support measures are initiated when the need for support is identified in cooperation with the guardians. Starting support measures at an early stage is important for the child's growth and development.

There are four smaller kindergarten groups operating in Kankaanpää kindergartens. In these groups, the child's need for support can also be taken into account structurally, for example by increasing the number of staff. However, early childhood education for children in need of support is organised in all units. A child can receive development and learning support in both early childhood education and pre-school education as general, enhanced or special support.

The Early Childhood Education Specialist (VEO) supports early childhood education staff and guardians in matters related to children's learning, growth and the organization of support. There are four early childhood education specialist (VEO) teachers working in Kankaanpää's early childhood education and preschool.

In Kankaanpää high-quality early childhood education creates a foundation for activities carried out with children. High-quality early childhood education is about warm and sensitive interaction with the child. Planning, observation, documentation and evaluation of activities are also part of high-quality early childhood education. In Kankaanpää, small group activities, a clear and predictable daily rhythm, gradual transitions and the use of pictures are part of high-quality early childhood education for all children.

In addition to high-quality early childhood education, a child may need varying degrees of support for growth and learning. The level of support a child receives depends on how much support they need. If a child only needs support temporarily or only a little in one area, the child is considered to be in need of early childhood education. general support The child's guardians and the group's educators discuss the need for general support and the necessary support measures. The support measures are recorded in the Child's Early Childhood Education Plan (VASU).

If it is determined that the child needs support measures regularly and general support is not sufficient, the child will receive early childhood education enhanced support. In this case, the child usually has several support measures or needs milder support in several areas of development. Some children need even stronger support. They receive early childhood education special support. Often the child has extensive developmental problems in several areas of development. Children in the scope of special support need continuous and full-time support, strong personal guidance and often also assistive devices.

When initiating both enhanced and special support, the child's case is discussed in the Early Childhood Education Support (VarTu) group, which includes the child's group teacher, the daycare center director, and special early childhood education teachers. Based on the discussion in the VarTu group, a recommendation is made regarding the initiation of enhanced or special support and the necessary forms and means of support. In addition, guardian consultation i.e. the views of the guardians are heard. After this, an administrative decision is made on the initiation of support. The support measures are recorded in the child's To Vasuu.