Applications for YMCA Global Kindergarten (April 2026 enrollment) are now open.

At YGK, we value each child’s voice and presence, supporting their curiosity in nature and nurturing their languages of expression. We look forward to welcoming new families in the coming year.

【Eligibility】
Children born between April 2, 2020 and April 1, 2023

【Deadline】
First deadline: September 30 (Tue)
*If you submit by September 30 and complete the enrollment by October 31, the early application discount will apply.

【Application】
Please submit the application form online through the link below.
Online Application Form

【Interview】
After submission, the kindergarten will assign an interview date.
If the proposed date is not convenient, please feel free to contact us.

We are here to support you and your child’s smooth transition into the new school year.

See. Feel. Ask. -A Summer for Growing Curiosity-

🔹 Program Overview

Dates: July 23 (Wed) – July 25 (Fri), 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Participation by the day is also available

Please note: Registration for the 2-day and 3-day options is now closed.
We are still accepting 1-day registrations for July 23 (Wed) only.

Target Age: Grades 1–6 (Open to both Global Kindergarten graduates and general applicants)

Capacity: Up to 10 children per day (Minimum of 6 to run the program)

Location: YMCA Global Kindergarten (Kannai)

Participation Fee (Tax included):
・1 day: ¥11,000
・2 days: ¥19,800　【Closed】
・3 days: ¥24,750　【Closed】
Lunch: Bring your own or order school lunch (optional)

🎯 What Children Will Gain Through This Program

1. Learning in their own way, starting with “Why?”

Children begin by wondering about something, then explore it by trying things out,
researching, and expressing what they discover in their own way.
They grow their ability to think, explore, and share.

2. A gentle awareness of nature and life

From trees and whales to poop and fallen leaves,
children experience the wonder of life’s cycles through picture books and activities.
They begin to ask, “What does it mean for life to be connected?”

3. The joy of learning together

In mixed-age groups, children spend three days learning, exploring, and sharing.
They discover how fun it can be to express their ideas—and to hear others’ thoughts, too.

🌼 Age-Appropriate Approaches

We tailor the experience to fit each child’s age and interests,
so everyone can enjoy learning at their own pace.

▶︎ For younger students
They explore by seeing, touching, and doing—sparking curiosity and joy through hands-on discovery.

▶︎ For older students
They grow by expressing their ideas in words and deepening their understanding through discussion.

📞 Contact

Please feel free to reach out to us via our contact form, email, or by phone.
We look forward to welcoming your child!

Page Contents

Click a topic below to jump directly to that section.

• ▶ About Trial Visits
• ▶ About School Tours
• ▶ Frequently Asked Questions

A Place Where Children Grow as Themselves

– Every Day Filled with English and Inquiry

At YMCA Global Kindergarten, we offer free trial visits and school tours for both our 2-year-old Joey Class and full-day programs (for 3–5-year-olds).

Here, each child’s learning and emotional growth is valued and nurtured at their own pace, in a safe and inspiring environment.

Program Overview

Joey Class (Age: 2 Years)

• Choose from 2–5 days per week, with half-day (2.5 hrs) or full-day (5 hrs) options

• English immersion, nature-based experiences, and inquiry-driven play

• Small-group setting for personalized care and support

• Extended care and school lunch available

• A gentle “first step” into school life

Full-Day Program (Ages: 3–5 Years)

• 5 days a week, immersed in an English-rich environment

• Children naturally develop language through expressing, feeling, and connecting — not by rote learning

• “Choice Time” supports inquiry-based learning sparked by children's interests

• The environment is carefully designed with provocations in art, nature, engineering, and more to inspire exploration

• Balanced with intentional group activities such as Language Arts, movement, and music

About Trial Visits

Free of charge

※ While we do not have an on-site playground, we make daily outings to nearby parks when the weather is nice, providing children time to connect with nature and move their bodies.

Trial visits are generally child-only, but if your child feels anxious, a parent or guardian may accompany them — feel free to consult with us in advance.

What to Bring:

• Towel, water bottle, indoor shoes (slippers for parents if accompanying)

• Change of clothes if needed

→ In most cases, only minimal items are needed. For outdoor days, we will inform you in advance if hats or other items are required.
If your child requires special care for health or safety reasons, please let us know in advance.

How to Book a Trial Visit

Trial visits for the Joey Class (2-year-olds) can be booked via Google Calendar.
→ Click here to view available dates and book your visit

For Full-Day Programs (ages 3–5), please contact us first to arrange a visit. We will coordinate the schedule with you.

About School Tours

Who: Families with preschool-aged children
What: Guided tours after class hours (approx. 10 minutes) showing the facility and daily environment
Fee: Free
※ For more in-depth understanding of our philosophy and programs, we recommend joining one of our scheduled information sessions.

How to Book a School Tour

School tours can be booked through Google Calendar.
→ Click here to book your visit
Our staff will warmly welcome you at your selected time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is it okay if my child has never experienced English before?
→ Yes! Most children join us with no prior exposure to English. You are welcome to observe how they adjust during your visit.

Q. What if parents or guardians don’t speak English?
→ No problem at all. Except for the daily reports, all communication from the school is provided in both English and Japanese.

Q. Do we need to bring a lunch for the trial visit?
→ No, lunch is not required. Trial visits are held in the morning and finish before lunchtime.

🌿 Come & Explore – YMCA Global Kindergarten

Trial & Info Session | Saturday, July 26

Every child grows in their own way.

This special event invites you to experience a glimpse of our daily life at YMCA Global Kindergarten.
You’ll observe how we nurture curiosity and growth through nature, language, and inquiry, and learn more about our philosophy and programs.

Families with children aged 2 to 6 are warmly welcome.
Spaces are limited—please reserve in advance.

📅 Saturday, July 26, 2025

🕙 10:00–11:30 AM

📍 YMCA Global Kindergarten (near Yokohama Park)

🔗 Reserve via PEATIX

“Let wonder lead the way.”

This summer, we invite children to explore, question, and create.

At YMCA Global Kindergarten, our Summer School offers a joyful learning experience where nature, language, and imagination come together.

Program Overview

Children will deepen their learning naturally in an English-rich environment through inquiry-based activities, storytelling, and creative expression.

We create a thoughtfully prepared indoor environment where children can still connect with nature.

With English dialogue woven into daily life, children's discoveries and questions open the door to learning adventures.

Rather than direct instruction, we offer gentle provocations that inspire dialogue, allowing children's interests to guide each experience.

Teachers act as co-learners who walk alongside the children, supporting their growth with care and presence.

Activities are conducted primarily indoors with children’s safety in mind. When the weather allows, we may also enjoy short outdoor experiences in a safe and gentle way.

Weekly Themes & Schedule

You may join for one or multiple weeks.

Time

• 9:30〜14:30

• Optional extended care available:
  – Morning: 8:30–9:30– Afternoon: 14:30–18:00 (in 30-minute units)

Age Group

2 to 5 years old (Pre-K1 to Kindergarten)

This program is open to children who are not currently enrolled in YMCA Global Kindergarten.

Fees (Tax included)

• Week 1 (4 days): ¥44,000/week

• Week 2 & 3 (5 days): ¥55,000/week

• Optional lunch is available upon request.

How to Apply

▶️

Click the button below to access the application form

Applications will close once capacity is reached. Early registration is recommended.

Contact

YMCA Global Kindergarten

〒231-0014 Yokohama-shi Naka-ku Tokiwa-cho 1-7
TEL: 045-641-5492

FAQ

Q. My child has never spoken English before. Is it okay to join?
A. Yes! Our international and Japanese staff work together to gently support each child. No prior English experience is necessary.

Q. Will there be outdoor play?
A. Activities are held indoors for safety during the summer heat. However, we may include short outdoor time if the weather is cool and suitable.

Q. Can I observe the class?
A. As a general rule, children participate independently. If you have concerns, please feel free to consult with us in advance.

English Childcare for 2-3-Year-Olds: YGK Joey Class Updates

We've got great news for you! In April 2025, you'll be able to enjoy a more convenient and fully updated YGK Joey class. Stay tuned!

Click here for further information!

Registration for Petit YGK Experience + Information Session is now open!

The next session is scheduled for Wednesday, December 11.

For more information, check out PEATIX now!

What is YMCA Global Kindergarten?

What kind of schedule do they have?

What kind of teachers are there?

What kind of facility is it?

Are you interested in YMCA Global Kindergarten but don't know much about it?

We will answer all of your questions!

We have prepared a special opportunity for you to experience YGK Joey class for children under 2 years old.

The schedule and activities differ for each grade level (2-year-olds and 1-year-olds). Please select the dates that apply to your child's age.

Place: YMCA Global Kinderagarten (Yokohama Chuo YMCA 4th floor)

Fee: Free of charge

Capacity: 8 children per day

Others:

• This is a parent-child program. Parents are also welcome to join in the fun.
• Reservations required. Please make a reservation at least one day in advance.
• Please note that one person may attend only once per special experience event.
• Please check the age range and click the date of your choice. The application page will open.

Current 2 year olds (born between April 2, 2021 and April 1, 2022)

①　Wed, October 9　10:15-10:45

②　Wed, November 11月13日（水）　10:15-10:45

Current 1 year olds (born between April 2, 2021 and April 1, 2022)

①　Wed, October 23　10:15-10:45

②　Wed, November 27　10:15-10:45

We are currently accepting applications for online open house.

If you prefer English guidance, please contact us at any time.

https://language.yokohamaymca.org/ygk/en/admission/