What is a hoikuen?
The Japanese hoikuen may be best described, from an American point of view, as a combination of daycare, preschool, and kindergarten. According to their ability children as young as 6 months and as old as 6 years participate in song and dance, reading, and play. In a mixed age group younger children learn quickly from peers. For older children it is a great environment for building strong social skills.
By using the hoikuen as a model, NYCNDA aims to provide the same stimulating learning environment here in NYC.