In today's world, raising children is not just a family responsibility——it's a responsibility for society as a whole.
Children are the true treasures of our community.
Early childhood is also a crucial period for nurturing the life skills that shape a person’s entire future.
There has never been a greater need for childcare professionals than there is today.
Students who come to Shinshu Hounan College with a heartfelt interest in working with children grow immensely over their two years here, ready to make a real contribution to their communities.
Fostering Emotional Growth
Program Chair:
Akama Kimiko
Professor [Master of Arts]
Graduate School of Literature,
Japan Women’s University
Completed Master’s course in
Japanese Literature /
Speech-Language Pathology
Meeting and learning from others helps us understand ourselves better. We sincerely hope that these two years will be a time for students to embrace diversity, grow as individuals, and develop both personally and professionally.
Childcare workers are often the first "teachers“ children are introduced to in their lives, and these early encouters may have a lasting impact on their lives.
Working as a childcare professonial and supporting children during this period of rapid growth is a noble cause that comes with great responsibility. I hope students recognize this mission and strive for high-quality childcare and education, and pursue their studies with a strong ambition in mind.
Moreover, as those working in the broader field of welfare, I hope that our students develop the ability to empathize and reflect, "What would I do if were in that position?"
Aim to Become a Certified Kindergarten Teacher and Childcare Professional!
Licensing and Practicums
In class, students gain practical knowledge and skills that they can immediately apply in the workplace.
For childcare practicums, students spend 11 days each at a nursery and facility. For the second and third praticums, they are given the option of training at a nursery or facility, allowing them to focus on the environment that best fits their goals.
Three Practicums
Practicums provide students with a valuable opprtunity to learn through hands-on experience.
With the guidance and support of on-site teachers, students put into practice everything they have learned so far in class.
Practicums allow students to take a significant steps to achieving their dreams.
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Teaching Practicum | Kindergarten
During the kindergarten teaching practicum, students deepen their understanding of learning through play, while learning about the roles and reponsibilities of a kindergarten teacher.
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Childcare Practicum I & II | Nursery
During the childcare practicum, students gain a deeper understanding of child development by caring for children from infacy to preschool age while learning about the roles and responsibilities of a childcare professional.
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Childcare Practicum I & III | Facility
During the facility practicum, students acquire hands-on experience while working in settings such as child care institutions and support facilities for individuals with disabilities, learning about the roles and responsibilities of childcare professionals in different environments.
Overcome Pre-Practicum Anxiety!
Pre-Practicum Training and Guidance
本Before their practicums, students attend a pre-practicum training session and receive sufficient guidance.
These events help students build the necessary skills and practical abilities needed to succeed in a practicum setting.
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Making a nametag
To prepare for the practicum, all students make a nametag by hand. Designing cute nametags allow children to remember the names of their caregivers more easily.
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Fingerplay
Students perform the fingerplay activities they learned in class in front of the children.
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Picture book readaloud
Picture books carefully selected based on developmental stages and seasonal change. It brings us great joy when children listen attentively and engage with the story.
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Self-Introduction Sketchbook
Students create sketchbooks using illustrations, cutouts, and features to help children at their practicum site remember their names more easily.
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Practicum Site Visits
During the practicum, faculty members visit the site to support and guide students in their acitivies. Visits like these help students feel more relaxed and reassured.
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Post-practicum guidance
Students reflect on their practicum together with their supervisors, discussing both areas of strength and areas for improvement, enabling students to grow further.
Qualifications Useful in Childcare Settings
In addition to the Kindergarten Teacher Level 2 License and Childcare Worker Certification, over their two-year program, students are able to acquire a number of practical skills that are useful in working in childcare settings.
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Peer Helper
This is an introductory qualification in counseling. Peer refers to “a companion,” and the qualification aims to develop the ability to use counseling techniques to help peers support each other in solving life problems. It is also useful for communicating with parents.
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Kids Sports Instructor
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Nature Game Leader
Seminar events
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Basic seminar,
April-October, first yearStudents will develop a solid foundation for their academic journey at the junior college. As part of their early career education, they also have one-on-one meetings with their semianar advisor to deepen their understanding of practicums, future studies, and career options.
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Project-based seminar
1st year, October-MarchStudents apply foundational learned in the first semester into practice, such as setting up nursery environments and conducting mock childcare sessions. Students also continue their career education, enabling them to prepare for future pathways.
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Childcare Practice Seminar
2nd Year, AprilDuring the second year, students spend a full year in a specialized seminar of their choice. Each student decides on a research theme and carries out their project, cultivating practical skills that can be applied in real-world childcare settings.