Three new daycare units to open in Vaasa next year

A new Finnish-language daycare unit with four groups will open in Merikaarto in January 2026.

– Based on a staff proposal, the new daycare unit will be named Merikaarron päiväkoti (Merikaarto Daycare). According to the proposal, the names of the daycare groups should reflect local traditions, says Anna Buss, Director of Early Childhood Education and Care.

The new daycare building will be constructed using modular units and will be located near Merikaarto School.

Historic name lives on

A new Swedish-language daycare unit with eight groups will be established in the Barracks area. The new unit is scheduled to open in summer 2026. At the same time, the current Gustavsborgs Daghem and Rådhusgatans Daghem will be closed.

– In line with the wishes of the staff at the current daycare units, the new unit will carry the traditional name Gustavsborgs Daghem. The name dates back to the 19th century and comes from the city’s oldest daycare, which has changed address before, explains Buss.

The names of the new daycare centres were decided by the Board of Basic Education at its meeting on 10 September 2025.

New Palosaari Daycare to open in the autumn

The former Palosaari School building will be renovated to house a new bilingual daycare unit. The new Palosaari Daycare will open in autumn 2026. The bilingual daycare unit will accommodate seven child groups.

All groups from the current Palosaari Daycare, as well as Kaptensgatans Daghem and Vikinga Förskolan, will move into the new premises.

The current Palosaari Daycare building, constructed in 1973, would require extensive and costly renovations in the near future. As a result, a decision has been made to demolish the building and relocate its current occupants to new premises.