#Japan #Tokyo #Skukuwa Program #Navigator Nursery

Expanding Early Childhood Education in Tokyo

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government, in collaboration with the Center for Education and Development Policy (CEDEP) of the University of Tokyo, is actively fostering the growth and development of young children through its innovative initiative known as the "Tokyo Skuwaku Program." This program aims to bridge various types of early childhood education facilities, including kindergartens and nurseries, creating a comprehensive framework for supporting children and their developmental needs.

Initiated in March 2024, the Skuwaku Program is set to roll out across the Tokyo area, aiming to enhance the quality of early education. In its first year, more than 1,591 institutions participated, and the initiative has now expanded to about 3,300 facilities, showcasing its growing impact on early childhood education in the city.

Learning and Collaboration

A pivotal component of the Skuwaku Program is the establishment of 'Navigator Nurseries' that serve as the core for mutual learning among institutions. The second selection of these nurseries was announced recently, with 29 new facilities joining the network, bringing the total to 77 selected nurseries. The initiative emphasizes peer learning, allowing participating educators to exchange experiences and strategies that enhance educational quality.

The reasons behind the Navigator Nurseries' inception include:

• - Establishing a robust network for learning and sharing among institutions implementing the Skuwaku Program.
• - Improving the quality of practices through collaborative efforts and shared knowledge.

Voices from Educators

Educators participating in the Skuwaku Program have expressed a desire for greater collaboration. Many wish to learn about innovative practices from other nurseries, share their experiences, and receive advice on dealing with challenges they face in their daily operations. This feedback has shaped the objectives of the Navigator Nurseries to create an environment where such exchanges can occur.

Activities of the Navigator Nurseries

Activities planned at these newly designated Navigator Nurseries include:

• - Hosting visits from other institutions to observe and learn from their practices.
• - Offering insights and guidance to visiting nursery educators to foster professional growth.

The Latest Navigator Nurseries

The following is the list of the 29 newly appointed Navigator Nurseries:
1. Taihoku Ward Higashi Ueno Nursery, Taito Ward
2. Kodomooka Nursery Negishi, Taito Ward
3. Nursery Kids Three, Sumida Ward
4. Koto Ward Tsubame Kindergarten, Koto Ward
5. No-no-Yuri Nursery, Meguro Ward
6. Iih Childcare Center, Meguro Ward
7. Tamazumi Nursery, Ota Ward
8. Nishihara Little Pumpkins, Shibuya Ward
9. Sunlight Hill Nursery, Nakano Ward
10. Nozomi Kindergarten, Suginami Ward
11. Koenji Little Pumpkins, Suginami Ward
12. Otsuka Little Pumpkins, Toshima Ward
13. Asuka Nursery Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward
14. Froebel Nishi-Akatsuki Future Nursery, Kita Ward
15. Funado Nursery, Itabashi Ward
16. Shimane Ichii Nursery, Adachi Ward
17. Benesse Yotsugi Nursery, Katsushika Ward
18. Suginoko Seisen Kindergarten, Edogawa Ward
19. Warabe Fujimori Nursery, Hachioji City
20. Tachikawa Kashi-no-ki Kindergarten, Tachikawa City
21. Hohoemi no Mori Nursery, Tachikawa City
22. Fukushima Nursery, Akishima City
23. Chofu Joyo Nursery, Chofu City
24. Iyanaga Nursery, Koda City
25. Akatsuki Aijien, Hino City
26. Noshio 1-Chome Nursery, Kiyose City
27. Sacchan Room, Tama City
28. Gonokami Kindergarten, Hamura City
29. Kitashiba Nursery, Nishi-Tokyo City

Further details regarding each Navigator Nursery will be made available on the Skuwaku Portal.

(Visit the portal here: Tokyo Skuwaku Portal)

This initiative aligns with the 'Tokyo 2050 Strategy' aimed at promoting policies centered around children, enhancing their educational experiences and opportunities throughout the city.