Welcome to JOY!
a bilingual preschool in Mokotów inspired by Finnish education
JOY is a preschool (ages 3–6) that gently prepares children for the real world — school, friendships and feelings — in a way that fits their age and stage of development.
School readiness
At JOY, getting ready for school starts with feelings: can a child cope with their emotions? A child who can get through frustration, failure or stress can focus, learn and take on challenges — that is why managing emotions is the foundation of everything we teach.
On this foundation, children build the knowledge and skills they need for a confident start at school. They learn math, reading and writing in a hands-on way that fits their stage of development.
Support for the whole child
Alongside learning, we practice focus, patience, sticking with a task and working together with adults and the group. We care a lot about independence, confidence and self-esteem.
Learning is supported by extra activities included in the monthly fee, plus help from a speech therapist and a psychologist, so each child can grow in every way.
Practical life skills
Children learn practical skills for everyday life: looking after their things, finding their way around the city, shopping, planning simple tasks and working with others.
Step by step, children learn responsibility and independence and how to handle the real situations they will meet outside preschool.
A safe, steady path
JOY gives children a calm, safe world where things make sense. Every day follows a familiar rhythm, and the rules are clear from the start. Small groups let adults watch each child closely and respond to what happens in the group — tension, conflicts and changing moods.
Children know what to expect, understand boundaries and learn to be part of a group in a calm and safe way.
Learning that fits each child
At JOY, we don't follow one plan for everyone. Teachers watch what a child is ready for and curious about, and where they need more support. This way children can grow their strengths, explore their interests and learn at their own pace.
Teachers plan learning around the real group and the real children in it. When a child shows interest in something — like math, movement or art — we help it grow naturally. When something is hard, we give the child a chance to practice it instead of avoiding it.
Movement and nature
Children at JOY spend at least 3 hours a day outdoors in fall and winter, and over 6 hours in spring and summer. For us, the garden is not only a place to play. It is a real place to learn, calm down and recharge.
Movement, nature and new places help release tension, support focus and get children ready for school. That’s why we choose to take part of our learning outdoors — because children learn better when they can explore, look closely and try things, not just sit at a table.
Natural bilingualism
At JOY, English is a natural part of everyday life. English-speaking assistants are with the children all day long.
Children learn English in real situations and in planned lessons. By the time they leave JOY, children settle easily into English-speaking schools.
Prices
Enrollment fee
Includes:
- a reserved place in a small group
- support helping your child settle in
MONTHLY FEE
A full learning and development program
- Project-based learning — Finnish model
- Social and emotional skills workshops
- Music, art, science and more
- Natural bilingualism
- Speech therapist and psychologist
- Projects and learning trips
Meals
- 4 healthy meals a day, made by a catering company that specializes in children's meals.
- We can include individual diets.
- You're only billed for the days your child attends — if they're sick or away, you don't pay for it.
Would you like to see the preschool and talk about settling in?
BOOK A VISITWhat's included
The monthly fee covers the full JOY development program, which includes:
Project-based learning: the Finnish model plus our own program
- themed projects that mix math, reading and learning about the world
- fun experiments and discoveries
- monthly science workshops (KidsLab)
Social and emotional skills workshops
- communication and conflict resolution
- learning to set boundaries
- building self-awareness
- bullying prevention
Music, art, science and more
- music and movement
- acrobatics
- Little Engineer and coding
- science labs
- sensory play and messy art
- art classes
Natural bilingualism
- native speakers with the children every day
- English lessons
Specialist support
- one-on-one sessions with a speech therapist
- psychological support
Projects and learning trips
- visits from interesting guests
- cultural outings
- forest school
what parents say about us
I dreamed of a preschool for my child where: - the teachers make puddles in the garden with a hose, to the wild joy of the kids, who stomp right through them in their rain boots - someone notices that Michał seems a bit sadder today and asks him about it, encouraging him to share the feelings swirling inside, so he isn't left alone with them - instead of carrying the littlest ones down the stairs, they let them walk down one by one, holding hands, which of course takes time, but the pride on the child's face at the end – priceless - the kids run around the big garden twice a day, discovering the secrets of nature And other things like that, a bit from Pippi Longstocking, a bit from The Children of Noisy Village, and a bit from a feeling that it's all about giving kids a safe, happy space for their natural pace and direction of growth, and for how they want to show up in this world. I found it here at Joy preschool - thank you
Monika B.I definitely recommend Joy preschool! Our son has been there since September and we are thrilled. His group teacher is an incredibly warm, wonderful person – we feel we couldn't have chosen better. Besides great care, there are lots of creative activities, plenty of time outdoors and daily English that really brings great results. You can see our little one simply feels good there. A big plus also for the easy approach to his special diet. 5 stars!
A. R.JOY is in a house with a huge garden, set up from scratch for a daycare and preschool, and it's all nicely done. The kids are never bored, you can feel the passion. My little boy is happy to go there and always comes out smiling, and that's the best recommendation.
Tomasz K.We found it by chance and stayed because we knew it was the right place. A fantastic place where kids can reach their potential. They spend lots of time in the garden, where they can run wild and get as messy as they like. Plus lots of smart activities indoors and loving teachers.
Agnieszka K.We are very happy we chose JOY preschool. The children are looked after by caring, attentive and committed teachers. A huge advantage is the big garden to explore every day.
Katarzyna G.A great place. Caring, creative teachers and thoughtful, wise owners who really run it in a Scandinavian spirit. The kids spend a lot of time in the big, beautiful garden. They go out all year round, in any weather, and the only thing that keeps them indoors is heavy smog - I don't know any other place like it around Stary Mokotów. Lots of creative activities, the owners work really hard and care about every detail. It's clean and pretty. The kids have lots of sensory play, they can get messy, they're simply happy and very well looked after. I recommend it with all my heart!
Agata C.Choosing Joy for our son was one of the best decisions so far. The teachers are very patient, supportive and careful with the children needs. The adaptation process is very smooth and tailored to each child. We love also that they have a big garden where kids explore the surroundings and get in contact with the environment, use their energy and imagination to create unforgettable memories. Also the location is very convenient and schedule flexible.
AnaQuestions from parents
What is the Finnish approach to education at JOY?
Our approach is inspired by Finnish and Scandinavian education. What matters to us is independence, movement, free play, time in nature and learning by doing. Children learn through hands-on activities, and education is matched to their age and stage of development. Work at the table is one part of learning, but not its basis.
From what age do you accept children?
We accept children from 2.5 years old. Groups are small, about 10 children.
How does enrollment work?
The first step is a meeting at JOY. Parents can see the preschool, learn how we work and ask all their questions.
If we decide together to start, we meet again, complete the paperwork and set a start date for adaptation. Book a visit →
How does the adaptation (transition) period work?
Adaptation at JOY is a process we lead, adapted to each child. We start with a meeting with the parent, where we get to know the child, prepare the parent and agree on the first steps.
The child starts together with the parent. Then we slowly introduce short separations and extend the time the child stays alone. We set the pace of each step as we go, watching how the child feels in the new place and with the adults.
What does a day at JOY look like?
The day starts at 8:00, and breakfast is at 8:30. The first part of the day is mainly education based on the JOY program, English, movement and program activities. Lunch is at 12:30.
After lunch, children who need it can rest or sleep. The others can choose from different activity areas — for example building, art, sensory play or crafts. After the afternoon snack at 15:30 there is time for free play, very often in the garden. The preschool is open until 17:30.
How does JOY prepare children for school?
We start preparing for school much earlier than zerówka (the pre-school year before primary school), always matched to the child's age. Children gradually build math and language skills and get ready to read and write. In zerówka there is also more work at the table, workbooks and independent work.
Just as important for us is how the child will cope at school: can they focus, organize themselves, deal with failure and frustration, ask an adult for help, say what they need and find their place in a group. We want children to leave JOY independent, curious about the world and ready to learn.
How do children learn English at JOY, a bilingual preschool?
English is a natural part of the day at JOY. An English-speaking assistant is with the children all day, talks to them in English, joins in everyday situations, play and activities, and runs English activities, games and story time. This way children hear and use English both in planned lessons and in everyday life.
How much time do children spend outdoors?
A lot — and it changes with the seasons. In spring, summer and early fall children spend about 5–6 hours a day outside in total, in winter about 3 hours. It is not one long stay — going out to the garden and outdoor activities are part of the daily rhythm.
Do children at JOY have rules and a daily routine?
Yes. Children live in a clear and predictable daily rhythm and know the rules and limits of the group. At the same time, we leave them plenty of room for free play, their own ideas and making decisions.
We don't plan every minute of their day. Within safe limits we give them space to act on their own, so they slowly learn to organize themselves, make choices and take responsibility for them.
Which activities cost extra?
None. All activities in the JOY program are included in the monthly tuition.
How much does JOY preschool cost?
Monthly tuition is 2,900 zł and covers the full JOY program and all activities. Meals and a one-time enrollment fee are paid separately. See Prices for details.
What are the opening hours?
JOY is open Monday to Friday, 8:00–17:30. We work all year round, with no summer or winter break, so parents have care for their child during holidays too.
Is there parking near the preschool?
JOY is in Mokotów, at ul. Racławicka 124. You can reach JOY from two sides. From Racławicka Street there is a small dead-end road with our parking spaces in front of the gate. The second entrance is from Gimnastyczna Street, where you can park along the street. See the map →
Is JOY a private preschool?
Yes. JOY Scandinavian Bilingual Preschool is a private (non-public) preschool in Mokotów, at ul. Racławicka 124.
Does JOY also run a daycare?
Yes. We also run a daycare for children up to 3 years old. BabyJOY is close to the preschool, at ul. Olimpijska 9.