YMCA Global Kindergarten (Full-Day Program)
Everyday learning where inquiry and language come alive.
Beyond English alone, through encounters with nature and peers, children develop the strength to grow for themselves.
At YMCA Global Kindergarten, we value each child’s ability to feel, to think, and to express.
Children are born with a natural drive to learn.
By starting from the small moments of curiosity and wonder found in each child’s “here and now,” we gently support learning as it unfolds naturally.
This way of thinking is inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach in Italy and is woven into our everyday practice.
Daily Schedule！
An introduction to each age group
YMCA Global Kindergarten is a full-day English kindergarten operated by the Yokohama YMCA, a public interest foundation.
We provide daily childcare that supports children as active participants in their own learning, valuing balanced growth of the heart, body, and language.
Puppy Class is designed for children aged 3 to 4.
In a warm, home-like environment, children spend their days playing with friends and teachers, becoming familiar with English naturally through joyful experiences.
Through daily group life, they gradually develop independence in everyday routines and learn how to connect with others in gentle and meaningful ways.
Daily Schedule
8:30～
Early Morning Care (Optional)
A gentle start to the day, beginning with free play in a calm and welcoming space.
9:30～
Arrival / Morning Circle / Language Arts
Within an English immersion environment, children naturally encounter meaningful language through songs, picture books, and conversation.
10:15～
Outdoor Play / Choice Time
Starting from each child’s “I want to try,” they engage deeply with their own interests.
12:00～
Lunch Time
A warm moment where English and Japanese blend naturally.
13:00～
Art / Music / Group Activities
An afternoon that values each child’s expression and learning.
14:00～
Story Time / Closing Circle
Reflecting on the day, children settle their minds through stories and conversation.
14:30〜18:00
After-School Care (Optional)
A shared space for mixed-age children to spend time together, with snacks and free play as part of their afternoon.
Annual Events
Throughout the year, YGK offers a variety of seasonal experiences.
Spring｜Encounters & a Sense of Security：Building a foundation where children feel, “It’s okay to be here.”
Summer｜Expanding Interests & Relationships：Through activities like insect exploration and water play, children grow deeply engaged with their peers.
Autumn｜The Emergence of Questions：A season when “Why?” and “How?” begin to take shape.
Winter｜Expressing in One’s Own Words：As empathy and self-regulation grow, children begin to express their feelings through language.
April
・Entrance Ceremony
・Promotion Ceremony
May
・Children’s Day
・Family Picnic
Jun
・Spring Field Trip
・Open Day for Parents
・Parent-Teacher Conferences
Jul
・Tanabata
・Operetta
・Water Play
・Summer School
Aug
・Summer School
・Water Play
Sep
・Overnight Camp (Senior Class)
Oct
・Sports Day
・Autumn Field Trip
・Halloween
Nov
・Thanksgiving
・Welcome Festa
Dec
・Christmas Concert
Jan
・Mochi Making
Feb
・Setsubun
・Open Day for Parents
・Parent-Teacher Conferences
・Parent-Child Field Trip (Senior Class)
Mar
・Hina Matsuri
・Graduation Ceremony
・Spring School
The roots of life force that grow over three years
What Children Grow Over These Three Years
■Children who value themselves: the ability to say, “I like this,” and “It’s okay to say no.”
■Children who connect with others: the ability to notice others’ feelings and appreciate differences
■Children who ask questions and continue learning: the ability to begin with “Why?” and “I want to know”
■Children who connect with the world through language: the ability to express their thoughts in their own words
Partnership with Families
Through daily records and documentation, as well as parent-teacher meetings, we stay close to each child’s “now” together with their families.
When families and the kindergarten walk side by side, children’s growth deepens and unfolds more richly.
About Our Staff
At our kindergarten, staff with diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds work together as a team to support each child.
Valuing each individual’s perspective and sensitivity, we stay close to children’s growth in our daily interactions.
Many of our staff have experienced multiple languages and cultures, and draw on that awareness as they gently share English as a living language in everyday life.
Growing Toward Elementary School
At YMCA Global Kindergarten, children move on to a variety of elementary schools.
Through play and daily interactions, children develop the ability to express their thoughts and feelings in their own words.
By the time they graduate, children begin to express themselves in their own words.
The experiences they build each day become a foundation for what comes next.