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Upcoming Online Seminar on Group Instruction Curriculum

The Japan Portage Association (Headquarters: Suginami, Tokyo), led by President Naoharu Shimizu, is set to host its "21st Group Instruction Curriculum Training Seminar" online on February 7, 2026. This seminar aims to enhance the educational and welfare practices in child development support through a structured approach grounded in the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).

What is the Group Instruction Curriculum?

The curriculum stands out for its ability to cater to children at various developmental stages. It promotes a multi-level teaching approach, allowing educators to address the distinct needs of each child while progressing towards common goals within a group setting. Participants are required to view preliminary instructional videos, making the live online session efficient and comprehensive—completed in just one day.

This curriculum is specifically designed to be utilized in various educational and welfare facilities catering to young children, including daycare centers, kindergartens, and developmental support centers. Similar to the Portage Early Education Program, it incorporates assessments across five domains to prepare personalized care, support, and educational plans for each child.

Key Features of the Portage Program

1. Individualized Programs: Each child's development and interests guide the creation of detailed individual behavioral goals. The program is constantly updated through research and training to meet contemporary parenting needs while remaining true to the importance of foundational areas of child growth.
2. Family-Centered Approach: Parents take the lead in the educational process, nurturing their understanding of child development through practical applications of ABA principles. This empowerment enables caregivers to better support their children’s growth.
3. Evidence-Based Techniques: The program utilizes scientifically validated ABA techniques to foster self-learning in children. Educators are trained to reinforce desired behaviors through positive feedback while addressing inappropriate behaviors through non-reaction strategies, further guiding children towards alternative positive actions.

Expansion of Portage Principles into Group Settings

The group instruction curriculum transitions from family-centered environments to group activities. This shift enables children to learn and practice essential skills in a communal setting among peers. The curriculum includes checklists that can accommodate assessments for up to 12 children simultaneously, making it straightforward to identify the developmental needs and goals across a classroom or group.

Engaging Training Format

The seminar will consist of four hours of pre-recorded lectures followed by a day of interactive online participation. The Japan Portage Association, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, recognizes that traditional multi-day training formats may be challenging for educators in child facilities. Therefore, this seminar has been structured to provide flexibility with on-demand viewing of 15 lectures, allowing for an efficient single-day interactive session afterward.

Participants will also receive a revised Group Instruction Curriculum set, priced at 15,000 yen, which includes essential materials that can be immediately implemented in their practice. Updated content on the latest trends in support services for children with disabilities is a key feature of this resource.

Seminar Details

• - Event Name: 21st Group Instruction Curriculum Training Seminar
• - Date & Time: February 7, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• - Format: Online Seminar (utilizing ZOOM and Google Sheets)
• - Participation Fee: 32,000 yen (28,000 yen for Japan Portage Association members)
• - Capacity: 30 participants
• - Organized by: Japan Portage Association

For more details and to register, interested individuals can visit the seminar application page:
Japan Portage Seminar Registration

Seminar Agenda

• - 10:00 - 10:40: Opening Ceremony, Orientation, and Confirmation of On-Demand Learning
• - 10:40 - 11:10: Utilization of Group Instruction Curriculum in Daycare Settings
• - 11:20 - 12:20: Application of Group Instruction Curriculum in Developmental Support Centers
• - 1:20 - 4:40: Practical Exercises in Small Groups (using Google Sheets)
• - 4:40 - 5:00: Q&A and Closing Ceremony

Please note that the agenda is subject to change without prior notice.

About the Japan Portage Association

Established in 1985, the Japan Portage Association focuses on disseminating the Portage Program throughout Japan and Asia. Recognized as a certified NPO in 2014, the organization aims to support families of children with developmental delays using the Portage Early Education Program. With around 500 members and 30 branches nationwide, the association conducts various training seminars annually, addressing both foundational and advanced topics in child development education.

For further information on the Japan Portage Association, you can visit their official website.