#Japan #Tokyo #ECC #Smile Project #Kids Garden

Kids Garden and Kids Smile Introduce ECC English Program

The Smile Project, headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, is excited to announce that its licensed childcare facilities, Kids Garden and Kids Smile, will implement ECC's innovative English activity support system, "ECC Papa-tto Eigo," starting in September. This initiative aligns with the Tokyo "Tokyo Sukuwaku Program," aiming to develop explorative activities for children.

In today's increasingly globalized society, the goal of this program is to cultivate children’s ability to thrive internationally in the future. Rather than relying solely on external instructors, the program empowers childcare workers who observe children's growth and development daily to create an environment where they are naturally exposed to English during their activities.

Background for Implementation

As parental demand for English education rises, the Smile Project recognizes the importance of having childcare workers who enjoy and share the joy of English with children instead of exclusively employing dedicated English instructors. The program encourages these educators to learn and teach English together with the children, ensuring a nurturing, collaborative learning environment.

The decision to implement "ECC Papa-tto Eigo" stemmed from the desire to reduce the burden on educators while also enhancing children's interest and curiosity in the English language. The resources provided by ECC fit seamlessly into daily activities, making it easier for educators to engage children with English, satisfying societal demands for ICT utilization and parental needs. This program is beneficial for the children, educators, and parents alike.

Moving forward, the Smile Project is committed to fostering an environment where children feel excited about learning English, embracing the philosophy of education that values individual personalities and promotes active learning.

What is ECC Papa-tto Eigo?

"ECC Papa-tto Eigo" is an English activity support system specially designed for kindergartens and childcare facilities by ECC. This program allows children to engage in conversations with foreign teachers via monitors, sing songs, and participate in quizzes and storybooks, making learning English a fun experience. Offering diverse educational materials, the program aims to create a play-based learning environment that captures the interest of young learners.

By collaborating with educators, the initiative nurtures a positive attitude toward English, instilling a sense of enjoyment and curiosity among children. Its interactive approach motivates children to think, "Learning English is fun! I want to speak more!"

About Smile Project

Smile Project Inc. has been expanding in the premium educational services sector, licensed childcare business, international education, and postnatal care since its inception. The company strives to create a society where family happiness coexists with personal fulfillment by providing tailored personal services that cater to each individual's needs.

Corporate Purpose: A society where family and individual happiness aligns.
Representative: Ayumi Doi, President & CEO
Headquarters: 1-3-8, Nishi-Gotanda, Shinagawa, Tokyo 141-0031
Established: December 12, 2008
Parent Company: Smile Holdings, listed on the Tokyo Growth Market (Stock Code: 7084)

About the Tokyo Sukuwaku Program

The "Tokyo Sukuwaku Program" is an initiative by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to support the growth and exploration of all infants and toddlers, encouraging their curiosity and development. Using themes like light, sound, and plants, the program seeks to foster proactive and collaborative explorative activities in children by utilizing the unique environments and strengths of various childcare facilities.

The ECC program "ECC Papa-tto Eigo," which introduces children to the world of language through the joy of English, is currently under application for inclusion in this program. Kids Garden and Kids Smile are dedicated to unlocking each child's potential while continuously improving the quality of educational and childcare services.