About us - Tiny Explorers
Daycare in Helsinki – Östersundom
A Homelike Daycare Environment
Tiny Explorers is a warm and homelike daycare where we provide high-quality early childhood education in a peaceful, nature-rich setting. Our daycare is located in Östersundom, Helsinki, right near the Sipoo border, surrounded by beautiful nature that offers excellent opportunities for outdoor play and exploration.
Here, children are encouraged to grow at their own pace and follow their interests in everyday life. Our approach is strongly influenced by adventure-based learning and experiential education, which foster creativity and inspire children to learn independently and try new things.
Tiny Explorers – Daycare in Helsinki / Östersundom
Small Group Sizes
Our daycare currently has around 20 children, divided into two groups. These groups work closely together and learn from one another through shared activities and collaborative experiences. We are a bilingual daycare, with English as our primary language, while Finnish is also naturally integrated into daily routines and interactions.
We have capacity for up to 42 children as we are offering children a warm, inspiring environment in which to grow and thrive.
Group Structure:
- Ramblers (under 3 years old)
- Rovers (over 3 years old)
Play and Movement as Keys to Learning
Play and physical activity are central elements of our daily life at Tiny Explorers. We spend time outdoors every day, giving children the chance to explore nature, move through different types of terrain, and experience the changing seasons.
In the spring, children plant flowers and learn about how plants grow. In summer, we care for our garden and study the lives of insects. During winter, we build snow slides in the yard and discover how animals adapt to the cold, as well as how snow and ice behave. These activities provide valuable learning opportunities about the environment and the natural cycle of the seasons.
We also offer a wide range of small group activities, such as physical play, music, arts and crafts, and storytime. Through these shared moments, children can explore their skills and emotions, learn new things, and develop cooperation and communication skills. Most importantly, play, movement, and creative self-expression are given space to flourish and become an essential part of our daily life.
Balancing Routine and Flexibility
At our daycare, we combine clear routines with a flexible approach. The structure of the day is presented visually to support children’s sense of security and predictability. At the same time, we recognize that life doesn’t always go exactly as planned — and that’s okay. We adjust our schedule based on the children’s needs.
For example, if children are deeply engaged in play, we may postpone storytime to allow their own activity to continue uninterrupted. Through these moments, we learn together how changes in routine can lead to new learning opportunities and how flexibility helps children adapt to different situations with confidence.
Encouraging Children’s Voices and Community Engagement
To support children’s sense of participation and belonging, we organize regular outings to nearby forests, the library, theater, and local parks. We also hold group gatherings where children can share their thoughts and ideas.
Through free play, children learn to regulate their emotions and develop interaction skills, especially through role play and imaginative games. We always listen to both children and parents, and involve children in daily planning to ensure their voices are heard and valued.
A Day at Tiny Explorers
7:30 – Daycare Opens
Children arrive and start their day calmly, engaging in play and greeting one another.
8:00 – Breakfast
We enjoy a peaceful breakfast together — a gentle shared moment before the day’s adventures begin.
9:15 – Morning Circle
We gather as a group to share thoughts, talk about the day ahead, and plan together.
10:00 – Outdoor Time
We head outside to the yard or into the forest to play, move, and explore nature.
11:15 – Lunch
We eat together and take time to talk about our experiences from the day so far.
12:00 – Rest Time
Younger children have a longer rest period, relaxing on their own mattresses while listening to music or stories. Older children are offered quiet time with free play or calm activities.
14:15 – Afternoon Snack
We enjoy a light and nutritious snack together.
14:45 – Afternoon Activities
We come together for guided sessions such as physical play, music, dance, yoga, or singing led by a teacher.
15:30 – Outdoor Play
Play continues outside — running, climbing, friendships, and exploring nature.
17:00 – Daycare Closes
It’s time to head home and share the day’s adventures.
Between these key moments, our days are also filled with stories, free play, science, art — and so much more.
Please note: The schedule is approximate and adapts to the children’s needs. Every day at Tiny Explorers is a unique adventure.
A bilingual daycare in Helsinki / Östersundom.