#Japan #Tokyo #Tokyo University #Sukuwaku Program #Navigator Schools

Expanding the Sukuwaku Program in Tokyo

In a significant development for early childhood education, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, in collaboration with the CEDEP at the University of Tokyo, has embarked on an initiative known as the "Sukuwaku Program." This program aims to promote the growth and development of infants and toddlers across various educational institutions, including kindergartens and nursery schools, without being hindered by institutional boundaries.

Launched in March 2024, the Sukuwaku Program is set to expand its reach across the entire Tokyo area, with over 1,591 kindergartens and nursery schools already engaging in its activities. By the end of this fiscal year, the program aims to include more than 2,750 institutions, further enhancing the quality of early childhood education.

The Role of Navigator Schools

To elevate the quality of the Sukuwaku Program's activities, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has introduced the concept of "Navigator Schools". These schools are intended to serve as the core of a collaborative learning network among participating institutions. As part of the initiative, a second round of 20 Navigator Schools has recently been selected and their activities are now officially underway.

The Navigator Schools program is designed not only to facilitate the sharing of best practices among schools but also to provide support and guidance where needed. Educators from participating schools have expressed a keen interest in learning from the experiences of their peers, seeking for opportunities to discuss challenges and receive advice on how to implement effective practices.

Collaborative Opportunities

The primary activities of the Navigator Schools include:

• - Welcoming visits from educators at other participating institutions.
• - Sharing insights and advice regarding their initiatives with others.

This collaborative approach is expected to enhance the overall effectiveness of the Sukuwaku Program, ensuring that every child benefits from high-quality educational experiences tailored to their developmental needs.

The New Navigator Schools

The following Navigator Schools have been included in the current round:
1. Mitsukoshi Kindergarten, Minato Ward
2. Kiyoshima Kindergarten, Taito Ward
3. Shinonome 2nd Nursery, Koto Ward
4. Kameido 2nd Nursery, Koto Ward
5. Kitasuna Nursery, Koto Ward
6. Yashio Wakaba Kindergarten, Shinagawa Ward
7. Osaki Nursery, Shinagawa Ward
8. Komaba Kindergarten, Meguro Ward
9. Kan-no Gakuen Fuzoku Rokugo Nursery, Ota Ward
10. Rokano-Oka Kantarupa Nursery, Setagaya Ward
11. Mominoki Nursery, Setagaya Ward
12. Nitobe Bunka Kindergarten, Nakano Ward
13. Miyazono Nursery, Nakano Ward
14. Ukimame Sakura Nursery, Kita Ward
15. Shimo Tsukushi Nursery, Kita Ward
16. Muni Nursery, Katsushika Ward
17. Showa-go 2nd Nursery, Akishima City
18. Hajime Nursery, Higashimurayama City
19. Oda Certified Children's Facility, Tama City
20. Hamura Matsunoki Nursery, Hamura City

Future Plans

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government plans to continue adding more Navigator Schools in the future, encouraging many more institutions to apply to the program. By actively engaging in the Sukuwaku Program, schools can contribute to the kind of collaborative learning that fosters the development of all children in Tokyo. The details of these initiatives can be found on the "Sukuwaku Portal" which provides updates and resources for participating schools.

For further reference, this initiative aligns with the objectives of the "2050 Tokyo Strategy," which promotes policies centered around children.

To learn more about the various Sukuwaku Program initiatives and the new Navigator Schools, please visit the Sukuwaku Portal.