KIDS SMILE LABO - Making “I want to try it”

KIDS SMILE LABO
is an urban nursery
filled with nature and fun.

Atsugi city, Kanagawa Prefecture, where KIDS SMILE LABO is located, surrounded by lush greenery and rivers.
We are committed to providing childcare that is close to each child by taking advantage of this blessed environment and our learning-filled building.

Philosophy

Infancy is an important period that forms the basis of life. Every day, children live in the accumulation of the present moment. What kind of environment will they live and grow up in? What kind of environment they will grow up in, what kind of adults they will interact with, and what kind of feelings they will have. We, the nursery staff, are the supporters who gently watch over the child so that their colors can shine and sometimes even seeds of inspiration for the children. We hope that they will find what they like to do, play to the fullest, develop a rich sensitivity through the connections with the people involved, and spread their wings of confidence.

KIDS SMILE LABO is an urban nursery located in front of Hon-Atsugi Station. However, the children spend their days in the nature of Atsugi. We go outside every day no matter what the weather is like. This is because there are many challenges that the children “want to try”. We respect each child’s sensitivity and individuality, and play, learn, and grow together through repeated failures and successes. KIDS SMILE LABO is a nursery school full of smiles where curious children can express their “I want to try something”. KIDS SMILE LABO is also a place where adults, such as parents, nursery staff, local residents, and researchers, can fulfill their “I want to try something with my child” wishes, and expand the circle of child-rearing through child-centered connections.

Facilities

KIDS SMILE LABO is operated by “Hibino Sekkei + youji no shiro,” a design brand specializing in childhood facilities launched in 1991 by Hibino Sekkei, which was established in 1972. Hibino Sekkei + youji no shiro has been involved in the design and management of more than 540 nursery and kindergartens in Japan and overseas. KIDS DESIGN LABO, a design brand that designs and manufactures furniture for children, is in charge of all furniture for KIDS SMILE LABO. Even though the nursery is located in a building in front of Hon-Atsugi Station, we have used our knowledge and experience to create an environment where children can come into contact with nature.

1Nature-based

Even though it is located in a building, KIDS SMILE LABO is a nature-rich space where children can touch the soil and feel the warmth and smell of the trees.

2Steps and physical education

In a normal building-in type nursery, children tend to lack exercise. However, in KIDS SMILE LABO, by incorporating many steps, children can create movements such as “climbing” and “descending” in daily life.

3Natural materials

KIDS SMILE LABO uses natural materials for everything from the interior to the furniture. The feel and smell of natural materials stimulate children’s senses.

4Nature-based

The atelier for drawing and crafting has low walls so that the children can see what is going on inside. It is a space where children’s ideas of “I want to try” and “I want to create” can take shape.

5Library

The library corner is arranged at the top of the steps. Sitting on the steps, children can concentrate on reading a book and enjoy the view of the lively scenery from the spacious windows.

6Playing space

The playing space behind the atelier is a space where children can immerse themselves in play. In order to value each child’s free play time, we have created it as quiet as a hiding place.

Lunch & Snack

Infancy is an important time for forming the basis of the sense of taste. In order to fully experience the original flavor of the foods, KIDS SMILE LABO provides a variety of meals with a focus on local foods. In addition to eating, children learn the meaning of “Itadakimasu” (thank you for the food) by helping farmers to harvest vegetables and by interacting with and taking care of farm animals.We aim to create an environment where children can learn and experience a variety of things through meals.

2343 FOODLABO

How to entry

Entry Session

An entry session provide information about our childcare and facilities. To apply for the session, please fill out the inquiry form on our website or call us.
Interview

Prior to enrolling your child, you will have an individual interview with a nursery staff. Please be sure to come to the nursery with your child. We will ask about your child’s allergies, medical history, play preferences, home environment, and favorite activities. After the interview, if both parents and us confirm intention to enroll the child, the decision to enroll the child will be made. To apply for an interview, please fill out the inquiry form on our website or call us. If you wish to apply for entrance in the middle of the school year, we will only accept applicants who are able to enroll immediately.
Payment

By the due date, please deposit the total amount of the preparation fee for the items required for enrollment and the childcare fee for the first month. We will explain the fees after the first month separately.
Entering KSL

After entering, there will be a two-week familiarization period. In the beginning, children may be some crying, but we will do the best to support each child. Please feel free to leave your child in our care.

KIDS SMILE LABO is an urban nurseryfilled with nature and fun.