Japan Guide

Preschool Curriculum in Japan

Everything school owners, directors, and teachers in Japan need to know about preschool standards, licensing, funding, and choosing a curriculum that meets local requirements.

Talk to our Japan team How to start a yōchien in Japan
National framework
Course of Study for Kindergartens (Yochien Kyoiku Yoryo) and Nursery Care Guidelines (Hoiku Shishin)
Regulator
MEXT (kindergartens) and the Ministry of Health
Age range
Birth to 6 years
Typical ratios
1:3 under-1

Japan early learning standards

The official curriculum framework for preschools in Japan is the Course of Study for Kindergartens (Yochien Kyoiku Yoryo) and Nursery Care Guidelines (Hoiku Shishin).

IPC aligns to Japan's five areas of learning and supports certified Eco-Kindergarten and English-immersion preschools.

Public funding programs in Japan

Free ECEC Policy (2019)
Childcare and kindergarten fees are free for all 3- to 5-year-olds.
Childcare Allowance (Jido Teate)
Monthly allowance for parents of children up to junior-high age.

How IPC fits preschools in Japan

IPC gives Japan preschools 20,000+ ready-to-teach activities, lesson plans, parent reports, and assessment tools that map to Course of Study for Kindergartens (Yochien Kyoiku Yoryo) and Nursery Care Guidelines (Hoiku Shishin). Trusted by 20,000+ schools and 60,000+ teachers across 98 countries.

Talk to our Japan team Compare preschool curricula
Opening a new setting?

Yōchien startup guide for Japan

From licensing and ratios to choosing a preschool curriculum, our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to open a yōchien in Japan and align it to Course of Study for Kindergartens (Yochien Kyoiku Yoryo) and Nursery Care Guidelines (Hoiku Shishin).

How to start a yōchien in Japan

Frequently asked questions

What preschool curriculum is required in Japan?
Japan preschools follow Course of Study for Kindergartens (Yochien Kyoiku Yoryo) and Nursery Care Guidelines (Hoiku Shishin). IPC aligns to Japan's five areas of learning and supports certified Eco-Kindergarten and English-immersion preschools.
Who licenses preschools in Japan?
MEXT (kindergartens) and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (nursery schools) oversees early childhood settings in Japan.
What public funding is available for preschool in Japan?
Free ECEC Policy (2019): Childcare and kindergarten fees are free for all 3- to 5-year-olds. Childcare Allowance (Jido Teate): Monthly allowance for parents of children up to junior-high age.
Can IPC be used as a preschool curriculum in Japan?
Yes. IPC is trusted by 20,000+ schools across 98 countries. Activities, lesson plans, and assessments map to Course of Study for Kindergartens (Yochien Kyoiku Yoryo) and Nursery Care Guidelines (Hoiku Shishin).

Related guides for Japan

How to start a yōchien in Japan Compare preschool curriculum models How to start a yōchien (global overview) Preschool homeschool curriculum