Most early childhood education clients now pay no income-based fee

More than half of early childhood education clients in Finland no longer pay a fee based on their income, the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities told Yle.

Four years ago, just under 40 per cent were exempt from the fee. The association said the change resulted from amendments to the client fee legislation and higher income thresholds in recent years.

There are significant differences between regions. In South Savo, fees were not charged to nearly 70 per cent of clients, while in Uusimaa the figure was just under 50 per cent.

According to municipalities, the changes to client fees have affected the use of services. Clients are more often reserving full-time early childhood education places, while absences are being reported less frequently than before.

The association sent its survey to all municipalities in mainland Finland. A total of 219 municipalities, or 75 per cent of those contacted, responded.