A Preschool That Nurtures Your Child’s First Experiences

For 1–2-Year-Olds (Preschool Class)

At Harbourfront International School, we believe a child’s first experiences lay the foundation for lifelong learning. Our classes for 1–2-year-olds are designed to nurture curiosity, joy, and a sense of security—honouring each child as they take their very first steps into the world beyond home.

Learning at this age happens naturally through play, movement, exploration, and relationships. Children learn with their whole body—through smiles, touch, discovery, and warm interactions with caregivers and friends. These everyday moments form the heart of early learning.

Play is not just fun, it is essential. Through meaningful, repetitive, and engaging play, young children build confidence, trust, and a love of learning in an environment where they feel safe and cared for.

Our teachers deeply understand the educational value of play and thoughtfully create spaces where children can explore at their own pace. From daily routines to small discoveries, every moment is seen as an opportunity for growth.

At HFIS, children experience a life filled with security, joy, and care, surrounded by authentic experiences and loving guidance. We warmly invite families to join us as we support your child through these precious first milestones.

A Full-Time International Preschool Program

Starting from 3 days per week

We offer a full-time international preschool program, thoughtfully designed for working families. Children attend consistently, allowing them to build strong routines, relationships, and a sense of belonging.

Our program is carefully adapted to each child’s developmental stage, supporting a balanced growth of both cognitive and non-cognitive skills in a gentle, play-based environment.

Learning Programs by Age Group

1-Year-Old Class – First Steps Program

This stage focuses on helping children feel comfortable in their first group setting. Through a safe and nurturing environment, children gradually expand their interest in the world around them.

Rather than academic outcomes, we prioritise:

• Smooth separation and emotional security
• Trust-building with caregivers
• Sensory exploration and movement
• Enjoyment of daily routines

These experiences form the foundation for future learning.

2-Year-Old Class – Growing Independence Program

As children grow, we gently support early independence and readiness for the next stage.

Children are encouraged to practice:

• Basic life skills (changing shoes, toileting, managing belongings)
• Expressing needs and emotions
• Cooperating and playing with peers

At the same time, we lay a soft foundation for the 3-year-old program, always respecting each child’s pace.

Rich, Play-Based Learning Experiences

🎶 Music & Rhythm

Through songs, movement, and rhythm play, children develop musical awareness and express themselves physically and emotionally—experiencing joy through sound and movement.

🗣️ Bilingual Language Development

English is the main language of the classroom, with daily Japanese exposure. Using songs, stories, and everyday conversation, children build early communication skills naturally in both languages.

🔢 Early Numeracy Awareness

Rather than formal maths, children explore numbers and quantities through play—counting toys, comparing sizes, and noticing patterns—building curiosity and familiarity with numbers.

🤝 Social Development

Through play, children learn to share, take turns, and interact with others. Communication and cooperation develop naturally in a warm group setting.

🔍 A Spirit of Inquiry

We value children’s natural curiosity—their desire to touch, observe, listen, and discover. Through sensory-rich experiences, we nurture early inquiry by encouraging “why?” and “how?” in developmentally appropriate ways.

Holistic Growth: Cognitive & Non-Cognitive Development

Our program supports not only early thinking skills, but also important non-cognitive abilities such as:

• Concentration
• Emotional regulation
• Empathy
• Perseverance and self-control

Each child’s individuality is respected, ensuring balanced growth in a safe and playful environment that prepares them naturally for the next step.

🍽️ Experiential Food Education

Once a month, children participate in age-appropriate cooking activities, where they make and taste food using their senses. These experiences foster curiosity about food and a healthy relationship with eating from an early age.

Supporting Families with Care

✅ Flexible Attendance

Families may choose attendance from 3 days per week. We focus on providing a consistent, full-day environment rather than short or half-day courses, ensuring stability and quality in learning and care.

✅ Daily Essentials Provided

To reduce parents’ daily load:

• Diapers and wipes are provided
• Individual beds are assigned for naps
• Bedding is professionally cleaned weekly

✅ Healthy School Meals

School lunches are prepared in partnership with Gensanan, using organic or reduced-pesticide ingredients sourced across Japan. Meals are designed by a registered dietitian, adjusted in size and texture for young children, and allergy accommodations are available upon request.

A Safe Beginning, A Confident Next Step

At HFIS, children grow in a loving, secure environment where play leads learning and every “first” is cherished. We look forward to partnering with families as we support your child’s earliest learning journey.