International Kindergarten in Tokyo - Preschool Programs Setagaya-ku

Keiki Intercultural Preschool, Tokyo:
Keiki Intercultural Preschool is an international kindergarten and preschool located in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo. In the field of early childhood education, there is perhaps no greater area of concern than accountability, both to the parents and to the children. At Keiki Intercultural Preschool we take this responsibility very seriously.

Each child is special to us, a unique entity to be treated with dignity and affection. We personalize our care by concentrating on the individual child’s interests through careful observation and communication. Keiki “Intercultural” Preschool provides a setting for the children from different backgrounds to share their culture, tradition, religion, and at certain times their language.

It is our belief that children should be valued as unique individuals. Children need to develop a sense of responsibility for their own learning process. What matters most is the process of experimentation, and we encourage our students to be risk takers, and not to be afraid of making mistakes. This process should be meaningful and fun. Another important thing to remember is that parents are the primary educators of their own children and have a vital role to play in the establishment of their child’s learning environment.

We believe in understanding each child’s inner constitution; which aspects of their character require strengthening, which traits should be discouraged and what areas of personality should be nurtured and emphasized. We provide guided opportunities so they can feel, touch, taste, and explore with their senses as many experiences as possible, freeing them to grow and develop in a natural and positive manner. Most importantly we do not believe in imposing our own beliefs upon them but allowing them to blossom in their own special way.

The main objective of KEIKI is to provide a positive environment where children learn, love, and grow. To nurture the progress of each individual child, we divide the developmental growth into three parts.

1. Socio-emotional Development
2. Cognitive Development
3. Physical Development

Toddler Program - 2 to 3 years old; Preschool Program - 3 to 4 years old; Pre-K Program - 4 to 5 years old; Kindergarten Program - 5 to 6 years old; Summer Camp Program. Programs are in English and Japanese.

The learning environment plays an important role in the development of a child’s social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth. KEIKI is composed of children from a variety of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and nationalities. Yet, a natural friendship develops between the children, thereby promoting a sense of human unity and homogeneity. KEIKI children will feel comfortable and at home in such a rich and varied environment.

Children will be able to balance themselves between:

* Meeting the needs of an individual child versus meeting the needs of the group
* Exploration of their own interests versus expectation of respect and consideration toward each other
* Vigorous activities versus quiet activities
* Directed activities versus free choice activities

We strive to maintain balance amongst socio-emotional developmental skills, cognitive developmental skills, and physical developmental skills. Examples of our learning areas are:

* Music and Movement
* House corners
* Blocks
* Cooking
* Math
* Arts
* Library
* Outdoor activities
* Sand and Water
* Science
* Table toys
* Drama
* Field trips