Supporting the Development of Emotional Intelligence in Finnish Daycares

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the critical role that early childhood education (ECE) environments play in developing emotional intelligence (EI) among children aged one to six. Finnish daycare systems, using the “educare” model, integrate care and pedagogy to create a safe and supportive environment where children can learn and develop. The study emphasizes the importance of creating a foundation that nurtures EI during early years of rapid cognitive, emotional, and social development. EI, the ability to perceive, express, understand, and manage emotions is a crucial element which influences a child’s future relationships, mental health, academic success, and professional potential. Through focusing on pedagogical strategies, environmental factors, and the role of educators, the study aims to bring awareness to the importance of focusing on EI in early years.

Through a qualitative method, the study gathered insights from early childhood educators in a private daycare in the Helsinki region by long-answer questionnaires. These perspectives were analysed through a thematic approach, alongside the Finnish National Core Curriculum for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), to identify current practices and evaluate their effectiveness in supporting children’s emotional development. The study is rooted in theoretical frameworks on EI, social learning theory, and ecological systems theory. These models provide a multidimensional understanding of emotional learning, from emotional processing to the impact of social modelling and environmental factors.

The study highlights the importance of child-centred planning, where each child’s individual needs and developmental stages are accounted for, aligning with Finland’s individualized ECEC approach. Findings suggest that emotionally supportive environments, where children feel safe, heard, and respected, are central to successful EI development. The conclusions of the study provide early childhood educators with resources to continue enhancing the approaches used to aid in the development of EI. Strengthening EI in early childhood plays a significant role in a child’s future success including one’s teamwork and management skills, psychological health, physical health, and social relationships. Early childhood educators have a profound impact on shaping children and their emotional abilities, highlighting the importance of studying emotional learning as a fundamental aspect of ECE.