About
Curriculum
Renewal now.
Meet the Staff
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Hello, I’m Takako.
Since the opening of Smile Kids, I have been involved in its development and now serve as the school director. Each day, I feel both a deep sense of responsibility and great joy in supporting the smiles and growth of our children.In early childhood English education, I apply my qualifications as a certified children’s English instructor and elementary school English teaching specialist. I focus on helping children become familiar with age-appropriate, practical English and support them in expressing themselves with confidence. By incorporating English into everyday life, play, and STEAM-based learning, we nurture each child’s ability to think and act independently.
Alongside English education, we place great importance on developing non-cognitive skills. We believe that essential qualities such as cooperation, perseverance, self-esteem, creativity, and self-control grow through rich and meaningful experiences during early childhood.
To provide truly high-quality education, it is essential that the environment for our staff is also healthy and supportive.
By obtaining the Childcare Facility Management Certification Level 1, I have gained insights into organizational management and human resource development. I continue to apply these perspectives in daily operations because I believe that a positive and secure workplace for staff leads to the best possible environment for children to grow and thrive.Sharing values with parents and working together to support each child’s development is another important part of our mission.
At Smile Kids, we aim to be a team where everyone respects and learns from one another. We are committed to maintaining this collaborative spirit.Let’s Learn and Laugh Together!
With this message in our hearts, we believe in every child’s potential and are dedicated to creating a bright and welcoming school filled with smiles and laughter each day.
We truly look forward to meeting you. -
Hello! My name is Aaron, and I am a teacher at Smile Kids International.
I am originally from North Carolina, USA.
I taught in the United States for more than three years, and I am now continuing to grow as an educator here in Japan, a country I have been interested in since I was a student.
I have been involved in teaching for most of my life, as I often volunteered to help my mother at her work, which was a preschool.
I also worked as an American football coach, where I developed strong teamwork and leadership skills. I enjoy bringing that team spirit into the classroom, especially in the preschool setting, where creating a warm, cooperative environment helps young children feel safe, confident, and ready to learn.I enjoy teaching children English and seeing their growth throughout the year, while learning more about them and becoming their friend.
My goal every day is to have fun with my students and learn with them through teaching, while getting to know each of them better.
I believe that teaching through songs, dances, and group activities is the best method, and I look forward to having fun with the students! -
Hi! My name is Katherine.
I spent part of my early childhood in the UK, where I have many fond memories of attending a local kindergarten. That experience taught me the importance of seeing things from a child’s perspective and enjoying English through play.
With a British father and a Japanese mother, I grew up in a bilingual environment surrounded by both English and Japanese. Naturally, I chose to pursue my university studies in English and have cherished the language ever since. Now, I hope to share with the children at Smile Kids the joy of being bilingual and the excitement of connecting with the world through English.
One of my strengths is teaching phonics, and I love supporting children as they learn English in a fun and natural way.
When I first started working at Smile Kids, I supported the Nursery class. Later, I had the chance to attend the graduation ceremony of those same students, now in K3. Seeing how much they had grown truly moved me, and I felt a strong desire to continue growing alongside the children.
I feel fortunate to continue growing with the Smile Kids community and to be part of the children’s learning journey. -
Hello! I’m Bob, and I’m in charge of the kinder class.
My mother is an English teacher. She ran a private English preschool in Zambia for several years. I probably got the inspiration to teach English from her!
What makes me happy is when I see children overcoming their fear of using English. As such, I specialize in making kids comfortable as they learn.
My goal at Smile Kids International is to assist the children to develop in their English skills. I know that every child has the potential to learn and speak English confidently!
S.K.I is a place where children can be immersed in an English-friendly environment. So please come and meet us! -
Hello! My name is Nana. I’m very happy to be back here at Smile Kids International, after working with students with intellectual/emotional disorders at public elementary and junior high schools for 8 years. I studied child psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno USA for 4 years, and after graduating, I stayed in Columbia, South Carolina for 2 years. I also taught younger children English at Abiko for more than 5 years. I really enjoyed my experience there. While interacting with various types of children, I learned how important the childhood environment is.
Here at, Smile Kids International, we want children to value their own individualities, feel secure and confident, and have a lot of fun. We also want the children to say “we did it!” “we can do it!,” with confidence! This will be a good chance for us to talk in English too! Let’s have fun learning English together! -
Hello! My name is Nao. I am the nursery class teacher.
I studied in Boston when I was a college student, and I am a licensed preschool teacher. I like outdoor activities such as camping and rock-climbing. I have experience working as a bilingual teacher at an international preschool. I will take advantage of my experience and keep challenging myself. I’ll be happy to make a cheerful, and good environment for the students at school. I hope the children will love Smile Kids and realize English is fun. -
Hello everyone. My name is Hitomi. I am also a mother of three children, and through my daily experiences of raising them,
I have learned how important it is to listen carefully and respond to each child’s individual feelings. I majored in piano at a university in the United States, and during my studies,
I also worked as a piano instructor. Since then, English and music have remained an important part of my life. Through music, my area of expertise, I have cultivated the joy of self expression and the value of time that nurtures the heart. I hope to thoughtfully incorporate these elements into my daily childcare practice. I believe early childhood is a very important stage, where children grow best in a safe and supportive environment that encourages feelings of “This is fun” and “I want to try.”Working closely with families, I strive to provide warm and attentive care so that every child can spend their days with a smile. Thank you very much. I look forward to getting to know you and your children. -
I’m Dona and I find myself as a nursery supporter. I fancy spending time with toddlers and help them develop their knowledge in all fields while introducing them to the massive universe around them. Before starting my career at Smile Kids International, I worked as an optometrist in the beautiful land of Kenya.
I can describe dancing and singing as my main hobbies and I also entertain myself by studying about various cultures and languages. I am a sporty person along with some good teaching qualities and unique techniques. My main and only intention is to take care of the young generation while keeping them happy at any cost. -
Hello, I’m Bunya.
I support operations in the back office and also join activities with the children when needed.
I enjoy drawing and value free-thinking and creative expression. Through art and play, I aim to create moments where children can explore their imagination and express themselves freely.
With a strong focus on understanding each child’s thoughts and emotions, I pay attention to their words and gestures to connect with them on a deeper level.
I always work with a sense of responsibility and strive to be someone the Smile Kids community can count on.
Please feel free to say hello anytime. -
Hello! I’m Mitsue. It is my belief that learning English expands children’s ability to communicate with many people from different countries and cultures.
I believe all children at Smile Kids can learn English through playing, singing, dancing, and interacting with their classmates. I hope they enjoy their time with us at school. -
Hello, I’m Yuki!
Since I was a child, I’ve had a strong interest in foreign cultures. I’ve always felt excited and curious when noticing the differences between Japan and other countries, as well as between others and myself. I still remember having a few English songbooks for children at home and enjoying them as part of my playtime.
During my university years, I had the opportunity to visit various countries through fieldwork and travel. These experiences, along with meeting people I wouldn’t have encountered in Japan, allowed me to explore different values and perspectives. Through these meaningful connections, my love for English deepened even further.
Later, after getting married and having a child, I lived in the United States for five years. Through building deeper relationships and experiencing American culture firsthand, I gained new ways of thinking and seeing the world. Living abroad was a truly valuable experience that broadened my horizons.
While in the U.S., I was fortunate to work as an assistant teacher at the preschool my son attended. Getting to know each child and discovering their unique personalities was a joy, and it made me realize just how fascinating and rewarding childcare and education can be. After returning to Japan, I pursued my interest in education by obtaining a childcare qualification.
I believe that the cheerful and welcoming environment at Smile Kids International is a place where children can truly feel safe and be themselves. I’m excited to use my experience and English skills to share the joy of language and support each child’s growth with care and positivity. -
Hello, my name is Sachie.
After graduating from university, I worked at a financial institution. When my child was born, I devoted myself to parenting and served as a committee member and volunteer at my child’s kindergarten and school. Working with many children sparked my interest in early childhood care, education, and English, and I earned my certification as a childcare worker. I am grateful to be part of Smile Kids International and find great joy in supporting each child’s growth.
As a childcare professional, I make it a priority to build connections. I value empathy and strive to help children express how they feel. I also place great importance on daily communication and welcome children with warmth so they can arrive feeling safe and smiling every day.
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Hello, I’m Naho, but please call me Ana!
Before having children, I worked as a childcare worker in a nursery for about 10 years, mainly in charge of children aged 0 to 2.
I also studied special needs education and obtained a teaching license.
I aim to provide nurturing care that is fun and engaging for the children.
After giving birth and experiencing parenthood, I realized the importance of English education.
I am looking forward to new challenges at Smile Kids and working with all of you! -
Hello. My name is Stella, and I am originally from China.
At university, I majored in sociology, and in graduate school, I researched the critical period in language acquisition. I am especially interested in how brain flexibility in early childhood relates to learning languages.I believe that every child has unlimited potential. For example, by developing a good sense of sound from a young age, children can naturally acquire subtle differences in pronunciation, such as distinguishing between the “L” and “R” sounds.”Language is a gift for life.”
I believe that learning a foreign language is one of the greatest gifts a parent can give to their child. I am currently raising my own child in a trilingual environment and value natural learning through daily life.When I discovered SmileKids, I was especially drawn to its original curriculum, which helps children learn English through everyday activities. I immediately felt, “This is the place! I definitely want to work here!” That strong feeling encouraged me to work hard to earn my childcare qualification.The rich educational content, the full English environment, and the children’s bright, shining smiles all show what makes SmileKids so special.
As a cheerful and positive member of the team, I am excited to support the children’s growth with joy and care. Thank you very much. -
Hello! My name is Lucy. I am from China. I used to be an English teacher in China. English is the pursuit of my study. I believe the limits of language is the limits of the world. English is an important tool to know the world. By being able to read in English, we can acquire more knowledge and expand our values. We can understand the world from a different perspective!
At Smile Kids International, I would like to guide children to love English and gain more confidence and enjoyment!
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Hello, my name is Maki.
I have returned to my favorite place “Smile Kids International” with more experience and more power! I have been working at Smile Kids International for 13 years, and I am happy to be able to work with the children again in this cheerful and English-speaking environment. I will also introduce Japanese culture to the children through origami and nursery rhymes.
I look forward to meeting you all! -
Hello, I’m Shion! I graduated from Smile Kids. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to share the joy of English with the children at the school that sparked my love for it. As an adult, I feel that English has greatly expanded my possibilities. It’s a huge support for me that many of my former teachers are still here! With the passion I inherited from my teacher back then, I will support the current Smile Kids children in enjoying English. Please look forward to working with me. Thank you 🙂
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P.E. class：K.K. Jacpa -
School Lawyer：Ayako Kino
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Access
Zipcode:277-0832
Shousinn#3 Building 2F 1-6-6 Kitakashiwa Kashiwa-shi Chiba Japan
Tel:04-7162-1960
When you come by train
Please come toward the south exit and pass by “Hidakaya”, and then come straight ahead along the railroad.The road is parallel to the railroad.
Turn left at the third block and the school building is on your left.
Smile Kids International is on the 2nd floor.
It takes about 3 minutes from Kita-Kashiwa Station on foot.
When you come by car
When you come from the direction of Kashiwa on the route 6, you will see the sign “北柏入口”（to Kitakashiwa).
Please get down from the route 6 there, and make a right turn at the first intersection.
And then please make a left turn right after the viaduct of railroad. You can find the big sign on the roof of the small white building ahead.
When you come from the direction of Kita-Kashiwa station, go straight ahead to the first intersection and turn right. Follow that road and turn right just before going under the train tracks.
You will see the Smile Kids International sign on the building in front of you.
PAGETOP