There is no guideline or assessment structure for kindergarten classes in Japan set by the
Ministry of Education. Kindergarten is not compulsory education in Japan.
Compulsory education in Japan is for Elementary School 1~6 and Junior High School 1~3. That is, 9 years of education is compulsory and free in Japan.
Pre-school and kindergarten is not part of the compulsory system. There are guidelines set in place however which state:
- Kindergarten education should be provided with an emphasis on environment child development. That is personality and people skills.
- Teacher materials are designed with the above point in mind.
- Establishing an environment to encourage good behaviour in children.
- Education based on play. Eg: Children and teachers would sit in circles to play with building blocks and so on.
- Learning about dangerous behaviour and safety.
- Tidying up one's own environment.
- Learning good manners.
- Enjoy kindergarten life. Learn the satisfaction of doing things by themselves.
As you can see, the above goals set by the Ministry of Education is quite straight forward and similar to most nations.