For all you parents looking for a preschool that suits your kids, we’re hoping to add a little something to aid in your search. Parents of children who attend various preschools on island have filled out a series of questions about the schools for the benefit of the rest of us. We welcome more than one voice on each school since everyone has a different experience, so please feel free to add in your two cents in the comments.

If your child attends a school that has not been reviewed on this site, please contact our Submissions Manager for the template.

CONTRIBUTED BY CINDY CROSBY

Name of School: Wakaba CDC Pre-Enrichment (Niko Niko CDC has a similar program)
Address: Bldg.132, Kadena AFB
Phone: 632-7420
Website: www.kadenafss.com/youth-teen/
Ages Accepted: 6 weeks to 5 years old (daycare services)

Ages of Your Kid(s) in this School: son, 3 1/2

ADMISSIONS/ENROLLMENT:

What is the maximum number of students that your school has? 24 per class (2 teachers)

What is the current number of students? 20?

Is enrollment open/year-round enrollment or per semester? Regular school year enrollment with openings as children move

Does my child have to be potty-trained to attend? yes

Can I bring my child in for a pre-enrollment visit? not sure

DAYS & HOURS:

What are the school’s hours? 8:30-11:00 T/TH or W/F or both

Is the school on a Japanese or American schedule? American – takes base school holidays off

How flexible is the school with pickup and drop-off times? Not flexible

COSTS:

What are the registration fees? None

What are the tuition fees? Based on military rank $40-$70/ month

If any, what are the assessment and school supplies fees? None

Are any discounts offered for referrals, siblings, volunteering, working there, etc.? not that I know of

Is there a late-pickup fee? They say $1/minute late.  I have not been charge for my 2 minutes a couple of times.  They can make the arrangement to move your child over to hourly care day care (if space permits) following school if you have some schedule conflict/need.

How and when does the school require payment (in yen, dollars, etc.)? Beginning of the month.  Cash, Check, Card

PARENT INVOLVEMENT & INTERACTION:

Are there parent/teacher conferences?[edited answer]: Yes

CLASSROOM STRUCTURE & SIZE:

How are the kids grouped? 3- and 4-year-olds combined

What is the school’s educational philosophy?  Is the school program developmentally-based or does it have an academic focus? They provide several different play centers (drama, art, music, science) and allow free playtime, as well as daily “projects”, and outside playtime.  They also encourage routines and independence with snack time (my child serves himself now) and circle time.

Is there a playground for the children to play on? Yes

Are there extracurricular activities or field trips? No

How does the school discipline children? They talk to the children and try to redirect.  They do not label even with positive terms like “he was good”.  Instead they say “he listened” and “made good choices”.

FINAL COMMENTS OR OBSERVATIONS ABOUT THE SCHOOL:

For base-dwellers, the CDC pre-enrichment program is a close, convenient, and inexpensive pre-school option. My only complaint is that our favorite teacher, Miss Nari, (who is Japanese) left.  Despite this setback, my son LOVES school and is developing a very positive attitude toward learning.  He is becoming very creative and loves to talk about doing “experiments”.  It has also really helped with his social skills.  Because of the short time and the children working independently, there isn’t a very structured curriculum.

14 COMMENTS

  1. If your child is not fully potty trained by the time they are 3, they still transition them into the Preschool room. There are more kids in there and less chid care providers. This causes a lot of attention issues, emotional distress, neglect, and inadequate care. My child has gotten hurt numerous times and sometimes they are aware how it has happen or where the socks haver gone that was on my child’s feet. I know kids will be kids, but more childcare providers need to be in there so the children are receiving the care and time they deserve. They change your child on the a mat on the floor right by the toilet. If your child is uncomfortable with this and doesn’t want change they will make your child stay in this area until they can change your child . This causes many problems, frustration, and meltdowns with the child. It’s not a great setup for a child’s physical or emotional well being. They need to take a child’s best interest into consideration and have a better room setup, more effective system, and more care providers in each room…. to truly give the preschoolers the care they need and deserve.

  2. The director here, Sally, is a joke. She has absolutely no backbone and cannot even communicate effectively. We had some issues with the way our child was being treated and Sally, upon approach, immediately was defensive and offered no apologies. She only cares about her own reputation- which, after speaking with her former colleagues, is sketchy at best. They do not reward good behavior here, instead punishes the child who acts appropriately and rewards the child who is a bully. Look elsewhere, much better options off base!

  3. Both of my children go here and I’ve had zero problems. But I could see how people with bad children would have issues. Luckily for me both of my girls are well disciplined and behave beautifully even when I am not around.

  4. This is the last place you need to leave your kids. You are better off leaving them home alone. The people taking care of the kids only do their job when people are looking. I’ve seen kids wondering around with no supervision at the playground as they gather around to talk to each other. There have been kids of friends of mine that come home with bruises and complain about kids beating them at this place. The kids do very little classroom activies, so they really don’t get anything from being in this place. You are better off leaving your kids home alone. If you care about your kids find another place for them.

  5. Niko Niko and I have had a wonderful relationship since my son was 2 months old (he’ll be 3 in March) For those of you who are hesitant to send their kids to an on-base day care because of rumor or “horror stories” please know that you’ll hear that about every single place anywhere that you go. I’m very much involved in Niko’s parent-teacher organization and I spend time each day talking with the teachers, trainers and administrators. If you’d like more information about what the CDC’s have to offer, please don’t hesitate to reply or email me: Rachellemsmith@yahoo.com

  6. I am looking for preschool options, hoping to do so on base. May I ask what the instance was that the teacher flung your child? With another little one at home, I want to lessen my commute without compromising cirriculum/safety.

  7. A teacher that works there grabbed my child by the arm and flung him forcefully. They did nothing because she was off duty at the time. That is how much they care for the safety of your children at Wakaba.