Day care placement issue

[guls]

Hi All

I would like to have some opinions and suggestions regarding the way the day care placement is organised in Finland.

I have been applying for a place in the nearest day care centre for my daughter ever since she was 1year and a half.I presume parents normally request a place in a day care centre near to their place of residence/work and taking into considerstion their family situation.But unfortunately she could never get a place in this whole period as I was always told that the place is full.I was not in a rush to send her in day care except than I wanted her to have some friends and secondly I could join some language course. Now my daughter is more than 3 years' old and I again applied for her in the day care and I was going to start my language classes shortly.I was told that I will be contacted when the place is organised but I did not get any reply so I reminded again to the manager of the day care.Every time I applied( a year before and now)I specifically mentioned that I need a place for my daughter in that particular day care centren only. Finally I got a reply that a place has been arranged for her at a family group of 8 kids with 2 nurses in a flat. I visited that place and found that kids there are between ages 1-3 years and there are not many activities for big babies.At least what I observed was that in one room babies were sitting with the nurses and all toys were up on the shelves.In the main day care children are from ages 3-6 years.I even saw myself.For that matter even my daughter is 3 years old.Why could not she get a place? She, of course, does not speak and understand Finnish but she speaks really good English and loves to talk and be busy with colouring and drawing,reading books,dancing,finger painting etc.etc..I assume she is a misfit in age group 1-3years. The manager told me that I can request her a transfer for my baby to the main day care centre later when some students will join schools.But I am sorry to say but If I could not get a place for her in one and a half year,then How can I hope in near future.I really want my daughter to be part of suitable age group,,have activities for her physical and mental growth and not like just under a roof with someone.I am not complaining but I am only sharing my disappoinment in this case.I kept waiting for really long time and finally got a place for her which according to me is not suitable.Any suggestions in this regard please.....Is it like parents take a place which is offered or they stick to what they requested.

Thanx in advance

[Upphew]

Is it like parents take a place which is offered or they stick to what they requested.

I'd guess that people stick to what they requested as long as possible... after that you take what you get and moan/improve things gradually.

[CH]

The daycares usually get the largest "batch" of new kids after the summer break in August, as that's when the kids are "moved up" (kids going to esikoulu and from esikoulu to school), so this would be when you have the best opportunity to get the daycare you want (but do note, that you have to apply in advance... 4 months, if I remember correctly). During the rest of the year you get what you get... whatever daycare that has an opening.

I would guess it's easier to get a transfer than a totally new daycare application. With a transfer you are opening up a place while taking a new one, with a new application they have to figure out where to put yet another kid. But, talk to whomever is in charge of daycare placements of what would be the best option for you.