TAIP Conversations

Have you ever wondered about the unique challenges faced when working on inclusion in Japan? In this episode of TAIP Conversations, host Dr. John Adduru (Lighthouse International School) discusses inclusive education with Alisha Smyth Yamamori, the head of Yokohama Christian School, and Nikolai Jessen-Peterson, the student support coordinator at Tokyo International Progressive School. They discuss the importance of early intervention, the benefits of small class sizes, and the need for more significant support from the Japanese government. They also emphasize the importance of teacher well-being and share practical tips for international schools and educators. Listen to this important and insightful conversation about inclusion in Japan, and learn how you can help create a more inclusive world.

About TAIP Conversations

The Tokyo Association of International Preschools (TAIP) supports educators at international preschools in Japan. TAIP's mission focuses on its members' professional development and success. The TAIP Conversations podcast discusses international early childhood education issues. You can learn more about TAIP by visiting their website: https://www.tokyopreschools.org.

Welcome to Episode 5 of the TAIP Conversations Podcast. In this episode, 'Forest School Adventures: Nurturing Environmental Stewardship in Early Childhood Education,' we delve into the heart of environmental stewardship in early childhood education. Our guests, Ann Nishigaya of Tokyo Children's Garden and Kai Change of iForest International Forest School, join host Dr. John Adduru, past TAIP President and Center Director of Lighthouse GL, Inc., in a lively discussion about the importance of nurturing a love for nature in young learners. Please tune in to learn more about the ways that spending time in nature can improve children's physical, mental, and emotional health. We will also discuss the difference between risks and hazards, and how forest schools can help children develop a deep connection to nature and learn how to safely navigate the outdoors.

April McBride (ABC International School), Angela Aramaki (Willowbrook International School), and Merete Kropp (Komzawa Park International School) join TAIP President John Adduru (Ohana International School) to discuss their strategies and thoughts on early literacy.

They talk about parent involvement, building a literacy-promoting environment, tools, techniques, and rewards of preparing young learners to read. 

TAIP President Alex Batten leads the discussion with Ayla International School Principal Puteri Zailan and a founder and Director of Youhou Eiken Kyoukai Mayumi Murata, covering licensing and authorization of early childhood care facilities in Japan. 
Although there are many variations in rules and procedures based on municipality, we discuss the main framework of hoikuen, youchien, and kodomoen. We also talk about the different authorizations, such as ninka and ninka-gai. 
Puteri Zailan also talks about her experience becoming a licensed foreign hoikushi in Japan.