User:Caroline Pover/Ohana International School in Tokyo

Ohana International School in Tokyo new article content ...

Ohana International School in Tokyo was founded in 2010 initially called Ohana International School. Ohana is an international private preschool located in Azabu-Jūban, Minato, Tokyo, Japan. Children aged 2–5 years are accepted into the regular preschool program and before-school and after-school care program. Tutoring is available to children from 3 years upward, and a Me & My Mom program started in spring 2011. Instruction is principally in English with some Japanese-language support and instruction. Student nationalities tend to include Japanese, British, Italian, Australian, American, Chinese.

History
Established 2010, initially for after-school tutoring only. The owners had 30 years' experience in early childhood education between them in a variety of countries, and decided to establish a school themselves.

Facilities
Two floors (including separate classrooms for the younger and older children), an office, space for tutoring after-school classes, and a library.

Hours
Before-school care: 7:30–8:30am; preschool: 8:30am–2pm; after-school activities: 2–3pm; after-school tutoring: 2:15–6pm; after-school care: 2–6pm. A half-day option is available for younger children: 8:30am–12:30pm.

Calendar
First term: end Aug–Dec; second term: Jan–end Mar; third term: Apr–Jun. Vacations: second week in Dec–first week in Jan; last week in Mar–first week in Apr; second week in Jun–third week in Aug.

Curriculum
Includes the ideals and philosophies of many early childhood theorists as well as the latest discoveries about young children and their potential to learn. Ohana focuses on the “emotionalization” and “socialization” of young children as well as academic learning. Owners believe that young children are active learners who construct their own knowledge and understanding of the world, and that play is central to this. Environment and social interactions serve as scaffolds whereby children progress to higher levels of development, learning motivation and developing the ability to make their own choices. Art activities and creative crafts such as light carpentry, sculpture based on common household item components, and the use of recycled materials take place daily.

Special needs
Children with special needs are welcome. Both owners/directors have qualifications and experience in special needs.

Extra/co-curricular
After-school classes cover phonics and literacy; and art, design, and technology.