[First for ECC!] International Preschool to be Born in Kojimachi, Tokyo
ECC Co., Ltd. will open its first 'ECC International Preschool Kojimachi' in April 2027 in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. This hybrid school combines world-standard inquiry-based curriculum 'IEYC' with ECC's 60 years of English education expertise, featuring a team teaching system with foreign and bilingual instructors.
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- 📰 Published: April 27, 2026 at 20:30
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ECC Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Kita-ku, Osaka; President: Masahiro Hanafusa), a comprehensive educational and lifelong learning institution, will open 'ECC International Preschool Kojimachi' (hereinafter referred to as 'this school') in April 2027 in Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo.
This school is a 'hybrid' preschool that provides English education alongside Japanese-style childcare, focusing on Japanese lifestyle habits and discipline through a team-teaching system with foreign instructors and bilingual childcare staff. By combining over 60 years of ECC's English education knowledge with the 'IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum)', a world-standard inquiry-based curriculum used in more than 60 countries, we aim to develop global human resources capable of surviving in a rapidly changing era.
■ Background of Opening
In recent years, the need for English education from early childhood has been increasing annually due to accelerating globalization. Additionally, against the backdrop of an increase in dual-income households working full-time, the demand for childcare facilities that allow for extended hours of care has also grown significantly.
Since its founding in 1962, ECC has been involved in the education of many children nationwide under the mission of 'fostering true international people who can communicate with the world.' In an era of rapid social change, the skills required for children living in the future are also evolving. Based on this, we decided to open an international preschool to further contribute to growth from early childhood.
This school will establish a safe environment that meets supervisory standards. Furthermore, by fusing the world-standard IEYC curriculum with ECC's expertise, we provide education that goes beyond acquiring English proficiency to nurturing non-cognitive abilities, supporting the first steps of 'true international people' who can live authentically.
■ Educational Philosophy: 'Learn to Play, Play to Learn'
The basic philosophy is that for children, playing thoroughly is essential. There is learning within play, and play expands through learning. We value the time children spend initiating play and exploring. By practicing without fear of failure and through trial and error, they acquire basic skills and thinking abilities. That first step taken on their own is the beginning of a 'little international citizen.'
■ Childcare Policy and Three Features
We respect children's free ideas and conduct childcare that develops the sensitivity of each individual. We value the process where children think and try for themselves rather than adults giving answers immediately. We cultivate hearts that accept diversity and recognize individual differences through a multifaceted approach based on children's interests and imagination.
① TEACHER: Team childcare system by foreign instructors and bilingual childcare staff
Education is handled by foreign instructors, and childcare is handled by bilingual staff, leveraging each other's strengths to achieve both 'English proficiency' and 'Japanese-style childcare.' Through daily information sharing and consultation, we support children's healthy growth in cooperation with each household.
② CURRICULUM: IEYC + ECC Curriculum
Adopts 'IEYC,' a world-standard inquiry-based curriculum for developing non-cognitive abilities. IEYC was developed by ICA (International Curriculum Association) in the UK and is an inquiry-based curriculum for children aged 2-5 introduced in over 60 countries. This was combined with the early childhood education curriculum that ECC has practiced for many years to further enrich inquiry activities.
③ JAPANESE: Familiarization with Japanese language and culture through 'Japanese' time
While based on all-English childcare, we provide 'Japanese' time to touch upon the Japanese language and culture, fostering balanced bilingual talent.
■ Facility Overview
Name: ECC International Preschool Kojimachi
Opening: April 2027 (Planned)
Location: 3-2 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Tentative name) Kodomo Depart Kojimachi 2F
Target Ages: 2 to 5 years old (Classes for 2 and 3-year-olds opening in FY2027)
Capacity: 2-year-olds: 15 / 3-year-olds: 15
Childcare Hours: Basic 9:00-16:00 (Extended 8:00- / -19:00)
Instructional System: Team system of foreign instructors and bilingual childcare staff
Others: School lunch, uniforms, support for coming to school without personal belongings available
This school is a 'hybrid' preschool that provides English education alongside Japanese-style childcare, focusing on Japanese lifestyle habits and discipline through a team-teaching system with foreign instructors and bilingual childcare staff. By combining over 60 years of ECC's English education knowledge with the 'IEYC (International Early Years Curriculum)', a world-standard inquiry-based curriculum used in more than 60 countries, we aim to develop global human resources capable of surviving in a rapidly changing era.
■ Background of Opening
In recent years, the need for English education from early childhood has been increasing annually due to accelerating globalization. Additionally, against the backdrop of an increase in dual-income households working full-time, the demand for childcare facilities that allow for extended hours of care has also grown significantly.
Since its founding in 1962, ECC has been involved in the education of many children nationwide under the mission of 'fostering true international people who can communicate with the world.' In an era of rapid social change, the skills required for children living in the future are also evolving. Based on this, we decided to open an international preschool to further contribute to growth from early childhood.
This school will establish a safe environment that meets supervisory standards. Furthermore, by fusing the world-standard IEYC curriculum with ECC's expertise, we provide education that goes beyond acquiring English proficiency to nurturing non-cognitive abilities, supporting the first steps of 'true international people' who can live authentically.
■ Educational Philosophy: 'Learn to Play, Play to Learn'
The basic philosophy is that for children, playing thoroughly is essential. There is learning within play, and play expands through learning. We value the time children spend initiating play and exploring. By practicing without fear of failure and through trial and error, they acquire basic skills and thinking abilities. That first step taken on their own is the beginning of a 'little international citizen.'
■ Childcare Policy and Three Features
We respect children's free ideas and conduct childcare that develops the sensitivity of each individual. We value the process where children think and try for themselves rather than adults giving answers immediately. We cultivate hearts that accept diversity and recognize individual differences through a multifaceted approach based on children's interests and imagination.
① TEACHER: Team childcare system by foreign instructors and bilingual childcare staff
Education is handled by foreign instructors, and childcare is handled by bilingual staff, leveraging each other's strengths to achieve both 'English proficiency' and 'Japanese-style childcare.' Through daily information sharing and consultation, we support children's healthy growth in cooperation with each household.
② CURRICULUM: IEYC + ECC Curriculum
Adopts 'IEYC,' a world-standard inquiry-based curriculum for developing non-cognitive abilities. IEYC was developed by ICA (International Curriculum Association) in the UK and is an inquiry-based curriculum for children aged 2-5 introduced in over 60 countries. This was combined with the early childhood education curriculum that ECC has practiced for many years to further enrich inquiry activities.
③ JAPANESE: Familiarization with Japanese language and culture through 'Japanese' time
While based on all-English childcare, we provide 'Japanese' time to touch upon the Japanese language and culture, fostering balanced bilingual talent.
■ Facility Overview
Name: ECC International Preschool Kojimachi
Opening: April 2027 (Planned)
Location: 3-2 Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Tentative name) Kodomo Depart Kojimachi 2F
Target Ages: 2 to 5 years old (Classes for 2 and 3-year-olds opening in FY2027)
Capacity: 2-year-olds: 15 / 3-year-olds: 15
Childcare Hours: Basic 9:00-16:00 (Extended 8:00- / -19:00)
Instructional System: Team system of foreign instructors and bilingual childcare staff
Others: School lunch, uniforms, support for coming to school without personal belongings available