Department of Early Childhood Care and education

Superior child care through practical experience with children in our affiliated kindergarten

The environment for raising children has changed in recent years due to the declining birthrate, modifications in family structure, and the advancement of women in society. The Department of Early Childhood Care and Education responds to these changes by fostering the development of ideal child care teachers who have a sincere attitude, an open mind, and the expertise to provide the highest quality of care to young children.

Features of the Department of Early Childhood Care and Education

• Students can simultaneously attain certification as a Class 2 Kindergarten Teacher and as a Child Care Worker.
• Students choosing to pursue advanced studies may qualify for certification as a Class 1 Kindergarten Teacher or as a Nursing Care Worker.
• We have teaching staff that specialize in the various fields of childcare.
• Students have frequent contact with children at our affiliated kindergarten adjacent to campus.
• We follow the principles of Buddhist child care, which emphasize thoughtfulness and consideration for others.
• We have a proven track record of high employment rates for our graduates.

About the Department of Early Childhood Care and Education

By attaining the necessary credits, students can qualify to become certified Class 2 Kindergarten Teachers by the time they graduate in two years. Those who wish to pursue advanced study in an area of specialized childcare may get a Bachelor’s Degree and become either a certified Class 1 Kindergarten Teacher or a Nursing Care Worker. Our Buddhist-based education, combined with specialized instruction and practical on-site training, foster the development of thoughtful, compassionate child care teachers who are well-prepared to deal with a society facing a declining birth rate and an aging population.

The philosophy of the Department of Early Childhood Care and Education

We are proud of our superior two-year junior college program in childcare education, but we realize that learning to be the best child care teacher possible requires continuous study and growth even after graduation. Consequently, we place great emphasis on the core Buddhist values of thoughtfulness and consideration of others, confident that our graduates will follow these principles in their work and exemplify them in their dealings with children and parents. With these values as the basis of their child care philosophy, they will continue to learn and grow in their jobs and meet the challenges of a changing society.

Two-year program of study at the Department of Early Childhood Care and Education

Year 1: Introductory studies in child care education combined with practical training in the field

Students begin by studying the basic goals and methodology of child care with the aim of understanding the importance of early child care and education in the life of a child. In the second half of the year, practical training at our affiliated kindergarten is introduced. On site contact with children gives students a chance to implement what they’ve learned and increases their motivation.

Year 2 : Further studies in child care education and techniques and the fostering of a “grow-with-the-task” attitude

Students expand their knowledge of child care and early childhood education, but also learn specialized care, such as infant care, care of the disabled, and child welfare. Our network of over 400 cooperating kindergartens and child care facilities provides opportunities for students to experience actual work in the field and to develop the qualities of an attentive and nurturing care giver.

If the necessary credits are attained, students can qualify as certified Class 2 Kindergarten Teachers and Child Care Workers by the time they graduate in two years.