Kodomoen
Childcare Centre
Welcome to Kodomoen Childcare Centre!
We are a non-profit, Japanese-Speaking, Christian, Childcare Centre.
Kodomoen Daycare Centre proudly adheres to the highest standards of education and caregiving. Our dedicated staff is committed to providing a supportive environment where your child can thrive. Keep reading to learn more.
Our Vision
Our vision is to create a home away from home for children, fostering a nurturing, caring environment, with a family-like atmosphere. We aim to empower children to become independent and joyful learners, guided by the Biblical principles of love and mutual respect.
The Golden Rule, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” is our guideline to encourage children to speak and act kindly to one another. In the same way, the staff strive to provide a loving and caring environment where children can share and enjoy mutual friendship, feel safe, and thrive in all areas of development, through Japanese language and culture
Daily Activities
We have the unique opportunity of blending curriculums from Japan with the Ministry of Education’s outlined pedagogy of How Does Learning Happen(HDLH), and Early Learning for Every Child Today (ELECT).
Child Directed Play
We believe children learn through play and implement a play-based curriculum. When children are playing, they are able to explore, inquire and discover ideas and skills. We strive to create a safe and nurturing environment through staff interactions and an enriching classroom environment.
Group Experiences
We have daily group experiences that include Japanese songs, book reading, as well as introducing the calendar,
the weather and more.
Teacher Directed Activities
As we are blending curriculums from Japan as well as the Ontario guideline of HDLH and ELECT, we use this time to introduce the different cultural events and activities that happen in both Japan and Canada. We do this in the form of crafts, games, books, and more.
Music
We have daily song time during our group experience, as well as music and movement, such as Japanese
exercises for children.
Physical Movement
Daily physical movement time is a requirement, where we use either our outdoor space, or the gymnasium located inside the building. We plan activities to focus on various gross motor movements, such as throwing, kicking, and balancing. We also enjoy strolls around our neighbourhood, and visit the nearby Margaret Fairly Parkette.
Special Events
We celebrate various cultural events throughout the year, including Hinamatsuri (Girls Day), Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day or Boys Day), Natsumatsuri (Summer Festival) and more.
We have experts come to the centre to have special classes such as hip hop dance, kamishibai (traditional story telling).
Every summer, we venture to the Toronto Island with the older children, exploring the island, enjoy a ride, and have a picnic.
We enjoy exploring our community with walks and visiting the local establishments.
We have an annual Christmas concert where the children are the main stars. There is singing, dancing, and a Christmas lunch that follows the event.
Our Team
At KODOMOEN DAYCARE CENTRE, we hire passionate, dedicated and caring teachers who are committed to making a difference in children’s lives. Take a look below to learn more about our team, and reach out with any questions.
Shizuka Murai (Hosein)
I graduated from Seneca College in 2002, with a diploma in Early Childhood Education (ECE). Since graduating, I have worked full time as an ECE. We are always looking for ways to create a fun curriculum, incorporating both Japanese and Canadian cultural events. By fostering a warm and safe environment, my desire is to see each child feel the freedom to grow to his or her full potential.
Masato Murai
Rev. Masato Murai (aka Papa Sensei) has raised five children in Toronto.(Boy, girl, boy, girl, boy, in order!) His youngest graduated universityin August, 2013. In Japan, he taught at Nerima Technical High School where he had a similar experience to the teacher in the TV show "Gokusen". As the principal of Kodomoen, he maintains calm by running around in the gym with his students.
Harumi Murai
In Japan, I had the priviledge of being a physical education teacher. I had two children in Japan, and three in Canada.
I primarily learned how to raise children by raising my own. I am also, and have been for many years, the director for the children's ministry at my church. Children are cute!
I would like to watch over and encourage each child, and be a support wherever I can.
Ayaka Wada
I received my ECE education at George Brown College in 2018. I have previously volunteered at a Japanese school and leveraging that experience want to help provide a fun learning environment at Kodomoen as well.
Saki Iijima
One of the appeals at Kodomoen is the warm family-like atmosphere. Caring for the individual needs of each student, my aim is for the children to have fun learning about Japanese culture while still living in Canada.
Sayaka Ikeshima
I studied George Brown College's ECE program and graduated in 2021. My nephew and niece were the number one motivations for me to learn early childhood education. Through them, I felt the surrounding environment is very important for the daily growth of children.
I get happiness and power from the smiles of the children every day, so I will do my best to help the children feel safe and grow at Kodomoen.
![AllStaff_0004_Yuki[1].jpg](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/744b47_77fcdcde08714c85b5bb702e1eeaf89d~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_114,h_125,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/744b47_77fcdcde08714c85b5bb702e1eeaf89d~mv2.jpg)
Hiroyuki Onnagawa
I am in charge of making the meals at Kodomoen. I put my heart and soul into making sure that everyone can enjoy a delicious and safe school lunch.
Upcoming Events
October 2023
5th (Sunday)
Daylight Savings Time Ends (Turn back clocks one hour at 2am)
15th (Wednesday)
Fire Drill
17th (Friday)
Birthday Party
20th (Week of)
Physical Measurement
Our Information
Please contact us if you need more information about fees or to arrange a visit.