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Portage Early Education Program's 97th Beginner Seminar

The Japan Portage Association, a certified NPO based in Suginami, Tokyo, is set to conduct the 97th Beginner Seminar for the Portage Early Education Program on May 30-31, 2026. This event will take place both in-person at two locations—Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture and Toon in Ehime Prefecture—and online, enabling a hybrid learning experience.

Focus of the Seminar

This seminar aims to educate participants on the fundamentals of the Portage Program, which was developed in the United States in 1972. The program is well-regarded for its rigor and practicality, providing tools to create individualized support plans tailored to children's developmental needs. Attendees will gain insights into assessing children's current developmental profiles, establishing achievable action goals, and facilitating effective support within everyday environments.

One of the key components of this seminar is the introduction of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) concepts that serve as foundational techniques within the Portage Program. Participants will learn to choose specific behavioral goals suited to each child's development stage, breaking down tasks into incremental steps when necessary (small steps). Various forms of assistance, including physical, visual, and verbal supports, will be explored in alignment with ABA principles.

Strengthening Family Engagement

A distinctive feature of the Portage Program is the emphasis on family involvement in guiding children’s development at home. The seminar will help parents understand how to nurture their child's growth within a supportive family framework. Parents often struggle with feelings of uncertainty about how to engage their children positively in daily routines. Through the Portage consultation, they will receive tailored advice, gaining the confidence needed to recognize their child's capabilities and mitigate anxiety from comparisons with others.

By selecting appropriate behavioral goals based on family and child needs, the seminar will also instruct participants on formulating realistic teaching plans that evidence the effectiveness of support through documentation of progress.

Seminar Learning Materials

Participants will receive the updated 2020 Portage Early Education Program Set as a reference tool—a resource that encapsulates strategies aligned with modern parenting environments, valued at 15,000 yen. This comprehensive manual includes 561 behavioral goals categorized across six developmental domains: infant development, social skills, language, self-sufficiency, cognitive skills, and motor skills, aimed at children aged 0 to 6 years.

Other materials include assessment sheets for monitoring developmental progress, manuals outlining the assessment to evaluation process, and activity cards that provide instructional suggestions aligned with the behavioral goals.

Logistics of the Seminar

The event will run over two days, featuring an orientation, lectures on the Portage Program, practical exercises, and discussions on case studies. The program will be conducted in an engaging format at the two locations where participants can interact with instructors and peers, and gain firsthand experience in implementing program strategies. Online participants will engage in live workshops via Zoom and Google Sheets.

The seminar is designed to accommodate a wide range of participants. The in-person seminars will be limited to 20 attendees per location, while the online session can welcome up to 40 participants. The registration fee is 32,000 yen (28,000 yen for Japan Portage Association members).

Conclusion

The Japan Portage Association’s 97th Beginner Seminar promises a comprehensive learning experience for all who wish to delve deeper into the Portage Early Education Program's methodologies and applications. As the organization continues to advocate for effective developmental support strategies nationwide, this seminar is a pivotal opportunity for professionals and families alike to enhance their knowledge and skills in fostering child development.