Technology in early childhood education – finding the balance
Digital tools are now woven into our everyday lives—from the way we communicate to how we work, shop and even learn. It’s no surprise, then, that technology is also finding its place in early childhood education.
At FinlandWay, we understand that many parents feel unsure about the role of technology in their child’s early years. Questions about screen time, digital habits and the impact on development are completely valid—and important.
So how can we use technology wisely to support our youngest learners? Rather than avoiding it altogether or embracing it without limits, we believe in a balanced, thoughtful approach—one that supports connection, learning and wellbeing, while always keeping the child’s needs at the centre.
Strengthening connection through technology in early childhood education
Technology, when used mindfully, can strengthen the bond between parents and educators. At FinlandWay, we use digital tools not to replace human interaction, but to enhance it.
Through our secure mobile app, families can receive real-time updates, snapshots and stories from the classroom. These moments offer a window into the child’s daily life, making learning visible and allowing parents to stay connected to their child’s early childhood education journey—even when apart.
It’s not just about sending messages—it’s about building a genuine partnership between home and school.
Documenting development: learning journeys in early childhood education
Every child learns and grows in their own unique way. At FinlandWay, we use technology to capture and reflect on these learning journeys with care and intention.
Our mobile app provides daily updates to families—short reflections, photos, and highlights of the day. Over time, this builds into a rich digital portfolio that tells the story of each child’s development. Parents can look back, revisit milestones and celebrate progress in real time.
This isn’t about ticking boxes or collecting data. It’s about meaningful storytelling and celebrating the joy of learning.
Screen time in early childhood education: less is more
We know that children learn best through play, exploration and interaction with the world around them. That’s why screen time in FinlandWay classrooms is kept purposeful, limited and developmentally appropriate.
Our daily routines focus on hands-on learning—building, imagining, singing, moving and engaging with nature. Storytelling, sensory play and social experiences form the heart of our early childhood education philosophy.
When digital tools are used, they serve a specific purpose—perhaps to support a project, illustrate a story, or revisit a child’s own learning documentation. But screens will never replace the power of real-world experiences and relationships.
Teaching 21st-century skills through early childhood education
While we limit screen time, we also recognise the importance of helping children develop 21st-century skills from a young age. Digital literacy is no longer optional—it’s an essential part of growing up in today’s world.
In the FinlandWay approach, children are gently introduced to skills like:
- Finding and questioning information: Asking “why?” and exploring answers together
- Critical and creative thinking: Solving problems through play and storytelling
- Media and technology literacy: Understanding what’s real, what’s pretend, and how to make sense of digital content
- Emotional wellbeing in a digital age: Talking about feelings and learning how to use technology in healthy ways
These experiences are always grounded in play-based, age-appropriate contexts—where curiosity, creativity and connection lead the way.
Parents and educators: partners in early childhood education
Technology also plays a role at home—and we believe that parents and educators should work together to support healthy digital habits.
Here are a few simple ways you can support your child’s digital wellbeing:
- Co-view content together to create connection and conversation
- Explore updates and foliettes from the FinlandWay mobile app together with your child
- Use technology to create, not just consume—take photos, draw, record stories
- Talk about emotions and help children notice how different content makes them feel
- Set gentle boundaries that support balance and calm
This shared approach helps children feel secure, supported and in control of their digital world.
Final thoughts: a thoughtful approach to technology in early childhood education
Technology is here to stay—but at FinlandWay, we believe it should always serve the child, not the other way around.
Our commitment is to joyful, play-based early childhood education, supported by purposeful, well-designed use of technology. We use it to connect, reflect and prepare children for the world they’re growing into—while keeping hands-on discovery and human connection at the heart of every day.
Your child is growing up in a learning environment that’s both deeply rooted and thoughtfully future-facing—and we’re so glad to be on this journey together.
