Niseko Kids ClubNiseko Kids ClubNiseko Kids ClubNiseko Kids ClubNiseko Kids ClubNiseko Kids Club

Niseko's Premier International Childcare CentreMamayama and FriendsNature and Outdoor PlayOrganic and Natural ProductsCreative Freedom and FunSet In Japan's Stunning Countryside

About Us

Niseko Kid’s Club is an international childcare centre, in Niseko, Japan. Open 7 days a week, Niseko Kid’s Club provides care, adventure and education to children from 12 months to 6 years. A drop-in service is available to customers who wish to ski during the winter months, as well as long-term programs for residents local to the area.

Our Philosophy

At Niseko Kid’s Club we believe in nurturing individuals and providing endless opportunities for children to fulfil their potential. Our childcare professionals are inspired by a range of teaching philosophies; including sensory therapy, music therapy, dance, special education and Reggio Emilia. We believe that individuality should be encouraged, and we modify our activities according to the interests and skills of the children. Nature is an important factor in child-development, so children can play outside twice a day, and natural materials are brought inside for craft and sensory exploration. Large windows look out on to a patio, where children can watch the changing seasons. We form a partnership with our children, where childcare workers and kids can learn together in a safe and fun environment.

Our Team

At the core of our International Childcare Centre are our childcare staff, who have a range of educational backgrounds from countries such as Vietnam, France, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, the UK and Japan. We are committed to providing a relaxed, happy and safe environment where children can be themselves. Between us we speak English, French and Japanese. All staff are trained in CPR and First Aid, and have completed a thorough police background check.

Fabienne Siche

Both French (from Brittany) and Canadian (from Quebec), I have been working for ten years in special education and social work. I have worked in summer camps as well as foster homes, schools, and non governmental organisations, with kids from a few months old to 18 years old. During the last seven years I have also been a psychosocial counsellor in a helpline for parents and a helpline for children and teenagers. Very passionate about traveling and discovering new cultures, I left Quebec for two years to spend time overseas, starting with Japan. I chose Niseko for this winter, as I am hoping to improve my beginner skills in snowboarding and in Japanese; while meeting people from all over the world. It is an incredible opportunity to be able to do so while doing a job I love!

Gerry Beyer

I’m from Hertfordshire in the UK, and have been working with children for 6 years. After finishing University, I spent 3 winter seasons snowboarding in Chamonix (France); taking care of guests on their vacation, and looking after their children. I then returned to the UK and studied with Cambridge University, to teach English as a Second Language. I taught at a summer school in Brighton, then moved to Vietnam where I specialised in young learners. I have been in Japan for 3 years, and have recently taught at kindergarten in Sapporo. Giving children opportunities to be creative and active are my biggest priorities. Most importantly, childhood should be about fun, freedom and exploration. I’m very excited to be working in Niseko this winter, where I can explore the wonderful nature of Hokkaido whilst making adventures happen for the littlest visitors.

Nina Mcllellan

I am originally from the North East of England. My mother taught children with developmental disabilities, so from a young age I grew up playing in sensory rooms, ball pools and with music, smell and touch as important tools for learning. I studied Music Studies at John Moores University, Liverpool and continue to be excited by music and sound. I am travelling to Niseko from New Zealand, where I have spent the past two years living in the ski town of Wanaka. I work as an Early Childhood Educator at Wanaka Pre School with children from 12 months to 5 years. I have just completed a very inspiring Play Therapy course, and am excited to travel to Niseko to share the skills I have, and learn more from the children, families and colleagues I shall share my days with here.

Programs

This winter we will be running 2 programs for children. ‘Little Bugs’; for children aged 12-36 months, and ‘Forest Animals’ for children aged 3-6 years. We provide a curriculum that provides children with toys, books, song and dance, craft, free-play, guided play and baby yoga.

Little Bugs

For children aged 12 – 36 months. At this age children are still developing their sight and motor skills. Music, brightly coloured toys and sensory aids will be provided to help the children explore their new environment. Each day we will introduce the little ones to a different insect; read books, play games and learn dances of that theme. Bed’s with sheets and blankets are available at anytime if children need to sleep, and toys have been carefully chosen as suitable for this age group.

Forest Animals

For children aged 3-6 years. Following our unique story-line will help the children to explore nature, community and themselves. Each day a new theme animal will be introduced through ‘guided activities’. The children can also access the craft materials and toys for ‘free-play’ time, as well as daily songs, dances and yoga time. At this age children are becoming more aware of others, so we encourage group play with other children and our adult carers.

Facilities

Niseko Kid’s Club is located in Niseko’s premier ski-in ski-out condominium hotel, AYA Niseko. Niseko Kid’s Club’s large, modern childcare facility is equipped with a secured entrance with video surveillance, kitchenette, boys and girls toilets, nursery, AV room and plenty of area for fun and stimulating activities. The total size of the facility is 119 sqm and can accommodate up to 31 children. The Kid’s Club features handmade wooden toy boxes, and play stations made from 50 year old recycled wood, created by local craftsman: TRash or TReasure. Toys and games have been carefully selected to promote creativity and favour natural materials. Children are encouraged to help make sensory objects and musical instruments to add to our collection and take home themselves.

How tall can we go?

Can you see?

Favourite bear

Craft time!

Larry the Lion

Big smiles

Puzzle time

Soft toys

Puppet show

Making Music

Nutrition and Hygiene

We provide a healthy lunch for children who are with us for a full day. Our meals are provided by An Dining and are GMO and preservative-free, and nutritionally balanced for children. The children are also involved in some food preparation during the afternoon. Making their own snacks will help to develop their independence, as well as teaching them about food safety and hygiene. We ensure that the equipment and tools used are child-friendly and thoroughly cleaned using eco-friendly products. We do our best to accommodate children with dietary requirements (such as meat-free, dairy-free and gluten-free) however, for children who have specific allergies we ask that parents provide us with alternative meals and snacks.

We use only natural products to clean our toys and surfaces, and avoid all harmful chemicals.