Maria’s Babies Society is a preschool, kindergarten and international school in Jingumae, Shibuya. It was founded in 1986 as part of the Imperial Gift Foundation, Mother-and-Child Tender Loving Care Society in Minami-Azabu, Tokyo. Our goal at that time was to provide an international school where we could offer education and support to help Japanese mothers and children strengthen their bonds through a bilingual early childhood educational programme. Drawing upon the tenets of Piaget, Steiner and Montessori in the fields of developmental psychology and pedagogy, our efforts have always focused on providing a comprehensive educational programme for children from age 0 to 6. We firmly believe that the foundation for a child’s future success in school and in life is established during this vital period of rapid growth and development. This critical developmental stage passes quickly, and the formation of character which occurs during this time cannot be changed later in life.

While maintaining its focus on the primary importance of the mother-child bond, our philosophy has evolved over the years to focus more on the idea that young children also benefit greatly from peer group interaction. Accordingly, while maintaining a home-like atmosphere, our original programme has been restructured so that we now welcome internationally-minded children and their parents. One thing that has not changed, however, is our focus on ensuring that children establish a sound, wholesome identity during the early childhood years. A central tenet of our philosophy is the notion that language and identity are intimately connected. Because of this, we believe it is important for children to learn their native language, culture and history first, so they can become comfortable with and proud of their own national identity. Once this foundation has been established, students are then encouraged to begin using English as the international language and as the language of instruction and interaction at our school. We have continuously seen excellent results with this approach over the years, so we believe that it will continue to benefit the children from all different countries who join our school.

Another defining characteristic of our programme is that we employ a number of specialist teachers to offer our students learning experiences in a wide variety of subject areas. Adding to the stimulation of the senses and imagination children receive in their regular daily lessons and activities, our specialist teachers draw upon their expert knowledge and talent as they stimulate the children’s artistic and musical development. Our art teachers include artists specializing in design, industrial arts and sculpture. In music we have both rythmique and violin teachers. Lessons on peace and the environment are conducted by our green science teacher. By relying on these specialist teachers we are able to guarantee the highest level of quality in teaching while at the same time meeting our students’ educational needs in diverse areas. Additionally, in order to maintain the best possible policies and procedures in crisis management and health/hygiene management, we employ both a full-time nurse and security guard.

Ultimately, our philosophy of education for the young child is based on simple, holistic principles. As every good gardener knows, a plant needs only a few things in order to grow: soil, water, sunlight and love. We feel that children need very similar things: a safe and caring environment, food for their bodies, hearts and minds, and, most importantly, love.

Together with the parents, we at Maria’s Babies Society are committed to providing our pupils with the raw materials they need to blossom into independence and self-reliance. The rest we will leave to time, with faith and hope for their futures as they graduate from our school in Jingumae, Shibuya and go forth into the world.