Welcome to the panel discussion: Towards inclusive early childhood, pre-primary and basic education in Espoo!

At the concluding event of the city’s Support and Inclusion projects, we will discuss issues related to inclusion and supporting children and how support-related issues are dealt with in early childhood, pre-primary and basic education.

The panel discussion on the Support and Inclusion projects will take place on Monday 5 June 2023 from 14:00 to 15:30 on Teams. All those who are interested in the topic are welcome! The event is aimed especially at experts and managers in the Growth and Learning Sector, school principals, and directors of early childhood education units. The event will be hosted by journalist and presenter Yagmur Özberkan.

The panel participants include Sari Ahola, Director of Hösmärin päiväkoti day care centre and Suvela residents’ park and club; Jonna Kari, Director of Psychological Services at the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County; Miia Loisa-Turunen, Education Support Manager for Finnish Basic Education; Aaro Partanen, Principal of Ruusutorpan koulu; Outi Saloranta-Eriksson, Superintendent of Education for Swedish Education and Cultural Services; and Anita Vataja, Early Childhood Education Specialist.

Sign up by 10:00 on 5 June.

The event will be recorded, and the recording will be available to the City of Espoo staff until the end of August 2023.

The event will be held in Finnish. Enquiries related to the event: Jenna Niemi, Project Manager (jenna.niemi@espoo.fi)

Welcome!

Background to the Support and Inclusion projects

Espoo has carried out two 'Right to Learn – Support and Inclusion' projects: ‘Developing support for learning and inclusion in Espoo’s early childhood education’ and ‘Right to Learn: support for learning and inclusion in pre-primary and basic education’. The aim of the projects was to promote the quality and equality of early childhood, pre-primary and basic education. The final report of the Right to Learn development programme lists development proposals that have been divided into 12 different themes in relation to legislation and other development work.

The projects were part of the Ministry of Education and Culture’s Right to Learn development programme 2020–2022. 

Meet the panellists:

My name is Sari Ahola, and I work as a director at Hösmärin päiväkoti and the Suvela residents’ park and club. I have worked in managerial positions with the City of Espoo for 21 years, 17 of which at Hösmärin päiväkoti. Issues related to children and families in Espoo are close to my heart. Suvela is a multicultural and diverse neighbourhood and has taught me a great deal about how to approach different situations and people in my professional life. We are all different but equal. I like my work; there is an element of hope, and I enjoy seeing children and their families grow. The wellbeing of staff and the atmosphere at work are especially important in a day care centre, as children grow in this environment.

My name is Jonna Kari, and I am in charge of psychological services at the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County and the provision of these services for pre-primary, basic and upper secondary education. Previously, I have worked as a psychologist and neuropsychologist in student welfare, as a manager of psychological services and as a developer of three-tier support.

My name is Miia Loisa-Turunen, and I work as an Education Support Manager for Espoo’s Finnish Basic Education Unit. I have a master’s degree in education and am currently studying for an EMBA degree. I am an expert in three-tier support and other school-related support measures (afternoon activities, school transport, assistant services) and also make decisions related to these issues. Currently, I am the owner of the Support and Inclusion project for pre-primary and basic education.

I am Outi Saloranta-Eriksson, Superintendent of Education with Espoo’s Swedish Education and Cultural Services. My duties include the development of curricula and staff competence, including support-related matters in early childhood, pre-primary and basic education. I have been the owner of Espoo’s first Support and Inclusion project for pre-primary and basic education, as well as a member in the steering groups for other projects.

My name is Aaro Partanen, and I work as the principal of Ruusutorpan koulu. I have a master’s degree in education, and my other roles include class teacher, special class teacher, supervisor, and specialist in workplace mediation. In my opinion, each person is valuable. Through my work, I want to support everyone but especially those who need it the most. We can achieve a great deal through cooperation.

I am Anita Vataja (M.Ed., VEO), and I work as an early childhood education specialist for Espoo’s Finnish Early Childhood Education Unit. My job involves handling matters related to support for children and network cooperation. I have worked as a project manager in the Support and Inclusion project for early childhood education and in the project and steering groups for both projects.