If you’re looking for an international or English-speaking preschool in Japan, finding the right one can be more complicated than expected. Here’s what you should know about preschool waitlists, what to do if your preferred school is full, and what to consider before applying.
If you’re a parent who is looking for an international preschool to enroll your child in, you might be having some difficulties. Maybe you recently moved to Japan and aren’t exactly sure what to do? Or maybe you really want to enroll your child in an English-speaking preschool. Either way, finding the right preschool can be a little more complicated than you may expect.
You may have realized it by now, but the way childcare works in your home country compared to how it works here in Japan may be a little different. You have options such as hoikuen (保育園), kindergartens, and even private childcare programs.
Let’s just say that you have options, and depending on how you look at it, that can be a good thing or a bad thing!
Specifically, if you’re looking to enroll your child in an international preschool in Japan, you’ll find that you have a lot fewer options, especially if you want your child to be in an English-speaking environment.
Bigger cities usually mean a bigger pool of options…which also means…a waiting list!
It would be beneficial to understand why finding an international preschool isn’t as cut and dry as simply finding a preschool, applying, and enrolling your child.
International preschools and bilingual preschools can have limited spaces, especially when they are trying to maintain smaller class sizes or provide an English-speaking environment.
A lot of parents specifically want their children to be in an English-speaking preschool so they can learn, play, and socialize in English. This can make certain schools much more competitive than others.
You also have to remember that some children continue at the same school from year to year. That means there may be fewer spaces available for new students.
That’s why you need to think about these things earlier than usual.
That being said, here is some advice:
You need to start researching international preschools in your area before you actually need one, especially if it’s somewhere you really want to enroll your child.
It may seem a bit strange to look for a preschool months before you actually need to enroll your child, but if you wait too long, you may really miss out on your first-choice school.
I recommend making a list of several schools that you are interested in instead of focusing on just one. That way, you have backup options if your first choice has a long waitlist.
Checklist
Some things that you may want to consider looking at are things like the
* Tuition
* Language environment
* Transportation options
* Class size
* Meals and snacks
* International or bilingual programs
**** application deadlines*****
It’s also important to understand what being waitlisted for preschool actually means for you.
Does it mean your child won’t get a spot at the preschool of your choice?
Not necessarily!
It usually means that there are no open spaces currently available and that if, for some reason, a spot opens up, your child may be admitted.
Families move, children change schools all the time, or sometimes a family simply decides not to enroll their child in the end.
This means that a waitlist isn’t necessarily the end of the road.
Something I also recommend doing is staying in contact with the school, even if you are just on the waitlist.
Feel comfortable asking for updates. 🙂
Feel comfortable also asking if they expect anything to open up during the school year.
I think that will help you stay informed rather than simply waiting around and hoping someone calls you.
And of course, don’t stop looking at other preschools just because you’re on one school’s waitlist. You never know what other opportunities may become available.
Something else I implore you to do is visit the preschool.
I can tell you, after working and speaking with many parents, you’ll want to visit the preschool and really get an idea of the environment firsthand rather than just looking at pictures on websites.
You want to know:
Are the teachers friendly and attentive to the students?
Do the children genuinely look like they are enjoying themselves and feel comfortable?
Does it look clean?
Does it feel like a safe environment?
What does the classroom look like?
How do the teachers communicate with parents?
There are probably hundreds of questions that you may have, and many of them can easily be answered by simply going and checking out the environment yourself. Again, please feel comfortable asking questions. The staff is there to help put you at ease and let you know that your child will be in a good environment.
You are trusting these people to take care of your child, so you should feel comfortable asking questions before making your decision.
I suggest asking:
I also suggest making sure that the school has all of your necessary contact information so that as soon as you reach the top of that waitlist, they’ll know exactly how to reach you.
You don’t want to miss an opportunity simply because the school couldn’t get in contact with you!
If an international preschool isn’t an option, don’t sell Japanese preschools short.
Be sure to search for traditional Japanese preschools and understand how they can provide your child with an opportunity to make more Japanese friends, really immerse themselves in Japanese culture, and help them become comfortable with speaking Japanese.
It may not have been your first choice, but you may be surprised by how much your child enjoys the experience.
The last thing I’ll say about this is that I also encourage parents to try joining international family communities in Japan, where you can ask questions and hear about other people’s experiences with preschool.
Rather than feeling stressed out about having to find a preschool, I hope this can be looked at as a fun journey for both you and your child.
Just make sure to start searching early, be open to different options when it comes to preschools, and make sure that you understand the process, and it should be okay. 🙂
Until the next article, please stay happy, healthy, and excited for your child going to preschool in Japan!
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