Equality, equity, and the child’s best interest as guiding principles in the implementation of the Finnish inclusive education system

This chapter presents the principles that guide the implementation of the Finnish inclusive education system, with a particular focus on reality in Early Childhood Education (EI) and Elementary Education (EF). The goals of this chapter are, first of all, to socialize as concepts such as equality, equity and social justice are understood as the basis of education Finnish. Second, share how ideas related to Special and inclusive education were developed and are currently being translated for the Finnish educational context, and how they are materialized in specific actions and services that support the system. At the same time, this chapter shares some of the many challenges encountered during the implementation of school inclusion in Finland, highlighting the need of continuous improvements in educational policies, pedagogical practices and training of teachers. Therefore, the Finnish case is positioned in this text much more as one of the multiple ways of implementing Education Special, than a model to be followed.Peer reviewe