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HEI Schools

HEI Schools is a preschool concept that brings the excellence of Finnish early childhood education all over the world.

HEI Schools is the first comprehensive concept that licenses Finnish early childhood education to international markets through products both physical - HEI Learning Centers - and digital - HEI Schools Teacher Toolkit and Teacher Certificate. All include high-quality learning materials, play-based pedagogy and the best of Finnish design adaptable to any region or country in the world.

HundrED 2021
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Overview

HundrED has selected this innovation to

HundrED 2021

HundrED 2020

HundrED 2019

Web presence

2016

Established

3K

Children

53

Countries
Target group
All
Updated
May 2022
We will consider our project a success once high standard early childhood education and the HEI Schools concept are accessible to as many families in terms of both cost and physical distance.

About the innovation

Bringing the Finnish preschool model to the whole world

HEI Schools was co-founded by the University of Helsinki with experienced educational & design experts in Finland to address the increasing global demand for high-quality early childhood education (ECE).

The HEI Schools ECE model is derived from the research-based Finnish educational approach and it works in collaboration with researchers from University of Helsinki, its academic partner. The HEI approach includes excellent curriculum and high-quality teacher training, which are the cornerstones of Finland's academic success.

These building blocks are accessed differently through our 3 available products: HEI Schools Learning Center, HEI Schools Teacher Toolkit and HEI Schools Teacher Diploma. Learning Centers are physical spaces located around the world supported by Nordic space design, carefully selected learning materials, an international community, and operational support for the local partner. The Teacher Toolkit and Diploma bring Finnish know-how online with easy-to-use platforms, virtual communities and monthly webinars to support teachers everywhere.

The pedagogical perspective of HEI Schools is based on decades of academic research on how children learn and how teachers are educated, and ongoing research work is consistently incorporated into our offerings with the help of the University of Helsinki. This is integral to the success of our cutting-edge products.

Embracing Nordic values of accessibility and openness, the HEI Schools mission is to make high-quality Finnish early childhood education available globally for children, teachers, parents and operators. At HEI Schools, we feed creative minds and raise children who will not only adapt to the changing world but change the world themselves!


Impact & scalability

Impact & Scalability

Hei Schools gives children the needed tools to discover, feed curiosity and develop self-confidence. They are actively scaling and have rapidly reached 21 countries in recent years.

HundrED Academy Reviews

The HEI School is providing a holistic and high-quality approach to the early education. The team is super professional and open to sharing their knowledge and providing support all over the world.

We all know how early education is important and HEI School is giving the best in this field.

- Academy member
Academy review results
Impact
Scalability
Exceptional
High
Moderate
Limited
Insufficient
Exceptional
High
Moderate
Limited
Insufficient
Read more about our selection process

Implementation steps

Sign a contract to become a HEI Licensee

Please be in touch with us for more information and pricing on the HEI Schools concept. We will go through the HEI model in detail, possibly meet in person and visit our preschool/kindergarten and agree on the region where you would like to become the licensee before signing an agreement together.

Participate in HEI Management Training
After signing the contract, we will craft a project plan together. We will then invite your management and pedagogical leadership team for a management training period in Helsinki, Finland.
Hire your local HEI Team
After going through the HEI Management Training in Finland and understanding what kind of teams are needed in each location, the local management team will need to hire local teachers. HEI Schools in Helsinki will also send HEI mentor teachers for support to your local HEI Schools.
Train local HEI Schools teachers
Once you have the team in place, your pedagogical management will train the local HEI Schools teachers as they have received training at HEI headquarters earlier. The HEI Schools mentor teachers will also help in practical training for a 2 month period at the local HEI Schools.
Implement marketing locally
During the HEI Management Training, the local management will have received training and guidelines in branding and marketing in the HEI way. The local HEI team will be responsible for creating and implementing specific marketing plans, and for all operations in the local market. However, the HEI Schools headquarters in Helsinki will continue to give support.
Prepare HEI Creative Learning Space
Once you have rented or bought the premises for the preschool/kindergarten in your local market, HEI headquarters and the HEI local management team will coordinate the construction and renovation of the physical learning space together. HEI architects in Finland and local architects hired by the local HEI team will come up with an architectural design. The HEI local team will be responsible for the construction and renovation. The local team will also follow the HEI guidelines for interior design and furniture. HEI headquarters will help the local team to order HEI furniture according to the guidelines.
Order HEI Collection items
HEI Schools has curated high quality toys, books and other learning materials to support the HEI curriculum. There is a standard starting package of these collection materials that will need to be ordered through HEI Schools headquarters.
Set up enrolment for families
In addition to marketing the school to local families, it is the local operator's responsibility to plan and implement the enrolment for families. The local HEI Schools operator will also plan an open house event so that interested families can visit the new HEI Schools with their children.
Open your new HEI Schools!
Congratulations! Your HEI Schools will be ready to be opened. With successful operations and good collaboration, there are always possibilities to open a chain of schools in your region.

Spread of the innovation

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