Pilke science-oriented daycare centre Otava

In August 2019, Pilke opened a daycare centre in a new log building in Lahti. In the ecological log-built daycare centre, children and early childhood educators get to enjoy fresh indoor air, good acoustics and the calm, peaceful atmosphere created by solid wood elements.

The science-orientation has been recorded in the daycare centre’s early childhood education and care curriculum, and it is implemented in various ways in the daycare centre’s everyday operation. For example, the play facilities are designed in a way that motivates and encourages exploration and experimentation. The daycare centre is equipped with a scientific play space where the young professors can conduct their studies with pipettes, loupes, test tubes and magnifying glasses among other fascinating instruments. Children’s play, creativity and the use of the senses are great platforms for practising scientific thinking that develops children’s memory and learning skills.

At the science-oriented daycare centre, we find it important that the children learn to discover and explore and are provided with experiences of success – without forgetting the significance of play. The activities are planned taking account of the children’s ages, interests and safe courses of action. We place emphasis on wondering and exploring new things together with the children. Our operation naturally includes also other versatile activities, such as singing, drama, handicraft and painting, not to forget sufficient daily rest.