If you are raising a child in Japan, have you thought of where you’d like to send your child ?
In Japan, there are two places children can go to before elementary school.
Most children in Japan go to nursery school or kindergarten.
This time, I would like to introduce how to enroll your child in a Japanese nursery school and kindergarten.
what are the differences between Japanese nursery schools and kindergartens ?
First of all, let us introduce the difference between a nursery schools and a kindergarten.
The main difference between the two systems is that kindergartens are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as early childhood education, while nursery schools are facilities established by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare under the concept of supporting daytime childcare.
Kindergartens basically offer three, two and one year programs, meant for three, four and five year old children respectively, while nursery schools are open to children from appx. 0 years old until they enter elementary school.
*Eligible ages may vary depending on individual nursery schools.
How to Apply for Nursery School
Where should I make an application?
You can apply at the childcare section of the municipal office
When should I make an application?
Applications must be made by October or November of the year prior for April admissions. (Application periods vary per municipality.) Applications should be made by a designated date of the month prior to starting for admissions outside the month of April.Application deadlines vary depending on where you live, so please check at the municipal office.
Kindergartens
Where should I make an application?
You can apply directly to your kindergarten of choice.
・
When should I make an application?
Applications are to be made on a designated date during October
or November of the year prior to starting.
You need to ask directly, because the date differs from kindergarten to kindergarten.
What procedures are necessary to enroll in a nursery schools or kindergarten?
If you are intending to put any of your children in nursery school,you need to start the application process well in advance.
Nursery School
①Get information and an application form at the municipal office and visit the nursery school you are interested in.
②Fill out the application to enter the nursery school and Submit the application at the municipal office by the specified date.
③Receive permission from the municipal office to send your child to the nursery school.
④After filling out the enrollment forms, you and your child are interviewed at the kindergarten.
⑤Your child starts at nursery school.
Kindergarten
①Visit your kindergarten of choice and pick up an application form.
②Fill out the kindergarten application and submit your application to the kindergarten by the specified date.
③You and your child are interviewed at
④Get accepted into kindergarten
⑤Your child starts at the kindergarten.
Whichever facility you choose,children can have a chance to get used to live in Japan and learn to cooperate in groups before entering elementary schools.
We hope you find this article useful.
Finally, I am not a native speaker, so some of my English may not be correct. I hope you will get the information you need.
