Announcement of 'Children's Growth Support Award 2026' Promoting Child-Centered Education Across Japan

The 'Children's Growth Support Award 2026'

The Benesse Style Care Group, headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, is set to host the 'Children's Growth Support Award 2026' from August 10, 2026. This award aims to connect various childcare institutions across the nation, including kindergartens and nurseries, fostering the sharing of daily childcare practices and promoting child-centered education.

This award is not solely focused on praising exceptional childcare practices; it aims to illuminate the process of carefully documenting children's behaviors, reflecting, and engaging in dialogue to enhance future educational practices. By sharing these values with society at large, we hope to create a platform where childcare facilities can learn from each other, thereby improving the overall quality of childcare in Japan.

To kick off the award, there will be an online seminar on August 10 at 1 PM, featuring Professor Keito Omoida from Tamagawa University, who will discuss perspectives on capturing children's expressions and utilizing childcare documentation.

Addressing Challenges in Child-Centered Education

As childcare practitioners strive to implement child-centered practices based on children’s expressions and needs, they face challenges including workload reduction and educator development. Solutions to these issues must transcend individual organizations and address the childcare industry as a whole. To this end, the award has garnered support from various government bodies and businesses with expertise in reducing workload and enhancing quality, working collaboratively towards these common goals.

The city of Yokohama, which has been actively promoting high-quality childcare environments, will participate in this initiative. Additionally, companies supporting sustainable childcare through ICT will be invited to share successful practices while standing alongside the field.

The Importance of Childcare Documentation

Childcare documentation is a valuable tool that visualizes children’s daily activities and growth through photos and narratives. It allows for in-depth reflection and dialogue among caregivers, enabling a multifaceted understanding of children's behaviors. Furthermore, it serves as an effective communication tool with parents, sharing insights on children's interests and explorations, thereby promoting collaboration between the childcare facility and families.

The Benesse Style Care Group has been working since 2020 to promote the use of documentation in childcare settings.

Overview of the Award

- Objective: To open up excellent childcare practices to society and cultivate a cultural environment where child-centered education thrives.
- Key Features: The evaluation criteria will not focus solely on prominent activities but rather on instances where caregivers were emotionally engaged with children. A series of learning opportunities will be designed where centers can “see,” “learn from experts,” and “implement” practices in their own settings.

Important Dates and Information

- Submission Period: August 10, 2026 – October 15, 2026, by 5 PM.
- Eligibility: Kindergartens, nurseries, certified child centers, and other childcare facilities in Japan.
- Application Content: Documentation of activities centered around children's expressions spanning 3 to 5 days.
- Result Announcement: Early December 2026 on the Hoiku Terrace website.
- Award Ceremony and Report Presentation: Early January 2027.

Insights from the Jury Chairman and Ambassadors

Professor Keito Omoida emphasized that documenting children’s expressions leads to a richer understanding of child-centered education. He encourages participation, noting the immense learning opportunities in the process.

Professor Akemi Miyazato expressed the joy found in witnessing children's eagerness to learn and grow, emphasizing the importance of shared experiences between caregivers and children.

Emi Saeki, a member of Kodomo Base, reflected on the connections formed during the documentation process, which she finds enriching for both documentation creators and children alike.

Creative Unit Tupera Tupera, acting as ambassadors for the award, underscored the significance of nurturing future generations through engaging educational practices.

About Benesse Style Care Group

For over 30 years, the Benesse Style Care Group has been committed to improving the quality of life through various caregiving services. Amid rapid social changes affecting childcare and eldercare, their mission is to ensure sustainability and provide enriching life experiences for everyone.