Three-to-six-year-olds’ sexuality-related knowledge in Finland: impact of early education professionals’ training

Abstract

Research on the effectiveness of comprehensive sexuality education for 3-to-6-year-olds, especially outside the USA, is limited. This quasi-experimental ecological study assessed the impact of a comprehensive sexuality education programme provided to professionals on children’s knowledge in five early education units across two municipalities in the capital region of Finland, compared to children’s knowledge in two control settings. Professionals in the intervention units received continuing education and training and taught children using a structured plan. Children’s sexuality-related knowledge was measured before (T1) and after (T2) the programme had been implemented for 1 year, involving 132 children at T1 and 205 at T2. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted programme implementation, resulting in periods of home stays. Results indicated that children’s knowledge remained stable in the intervention units but decreased in control units, suggesting pandemic-related learning losses. In one municipality, children’s knowledge significantly increased compared to the control group. These findings support the efficacy of continuing education and training for professionals working in early childhood settings and suggest the inclusion of comprehensive sexuality education in the early childhood curriculum to enhance sexual health, safety, and wellbeing.