Preschool is a place where the values ​​and practices that underpin a democratic society are emphasized. In preschool, parents, staff and children should be partners.

Democratic preschool work is based on equality, diversity, shared responsibility, solidarity and recognition of different points of view. Children should feel that they are part of a group and a society where justice and respect characterize interactions. Children are seen as active citizens and participants where each person is given the opportunity to contribute to influencing their environment.

Preschools should promote equality and the active participation of children in society by creating opportunities for them to experience democratic working methods and communication in everyday work. In this way, they gain an understanding of what democracy entails, learn democratic values ​​and working methods, and develop civic awareness. Children’s intuition, experience, skills, and opinions should be respected and their perspectives taken into account when planning preschool activities, thus giving them the opportunity to participate in decisions about tasks and working methods.

The needs and interests that children express in a variety of ways should be the foundation that shapes the environment and practices of the preschool. In collaboration with other children and adults, they exchange opinions, find solutions, and communicate issues.

In the daily work of the preschool, emphasis should be placed on caring, consideration and mutual assistance among everyone in the preschool. Opportunities should also be used to discuss empathy and compassion towards other people. Emphasis should be placed on respecting the uniqueness and perspectives of each individual and providing support to children in daily interactions.

Kindergarten should be a place where everyone:

• actively participate in discussions on public issues,
• listen to each other and exchange opinions,
• take responsibility for themselves and their actions,
• work together and help each other,
• have a choice of tasks and working methods,
• affect the preschool work,
• participate in philosophical discussions,
• work towards equal opportunities for children regardless of their race, colour, sex, language, religion, political opinions, ancestry, disability, social status or other circumstances or the status or activities of their parents to address a variety of issues.