Bern, the de facto capital of Switzerland, offers a well-structured and inclusive early childhood education system. Kindergarten (“Kindergarten” in German-speaking regions) begins at age four and is mandatory for two years prior to entering primary school ([Reference 1]).
Bern follows the “Lehrplan 21” ([Reference 2]), which emphasizes balanced development in language, mathematics, social competence, creativity, and early scientific thinking, primarily through play and exploration.
Given Bern’s role as a federal city with a multilingual environment, language integration support (“DaZ” – Deutsch als Zweitsprache) is widely available for non-German-speaking children ([Reference 3]).
The city also places a strong emphasis on inclusive education: children with special educational needs are integrated into mainstream kindergartens with individualized support plans, ensuring that diversity is embraced from the earliest stages of education.
As a kindergarten director, I see Bern’s approach as a shining example of how structure, inclusiveness, and respect for every child’s unique background and pace can be harmonized, creating a truly supportive and future-oriented early learning environment.

References:

• [1] Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK): Kindergarten Policies

• [2] Lehrplan 21: Curriculum for German-Speaking Switzerland

• [3] Canton of Bern: Language Support Programs (DaZ)

スイスの事実上の首都ベルンは、秩序だった、かつ包摂的な幼児教育制度を誇っています。
ドイツ語圏に位置するベルンでは、4歳から「キンダーガルテン（Kindergarten）」に入園し、小学校入学前の2年間の通園が義務付けられています。
ドイツ語圏共通カリキュラム「レールプラン21（Lehrplan 21）」に基づき、言語、数学、社会性、創造力、初期科学的思考のバランスの取れた発達を、遊びと探究を通じて促進しています。
多言語都市であるベルンでは、ドイツ語を母語としない子どもたちのために「DaZ（Deutsch als Zweitsprache）」プログラムによる言語支援が広く整備されています。
また、特別支援を要する子どもたちへの個別支援プランも整っており、インクルージョンの理念が幼児期から徹底されています。
ベルンの、体系だった教育の中に多様性と個性への深い敬意を織り込む教育姿勢は、未来を見据えた幼児教育の在り方を示していると感じます。

Lausanne, located in the French-speaking canton of Vaud, offers early childhood education characterized by inclusivity, multilingualism, and a strong child-centered philosophy. Kindergarten (“école enfantine”) begins at age four and is mandatory for two years before primary education ([Reference 1]).
Lausanne follows the “Plan d’Études Romand” (PER) ([Reference 2]), which emphasizes holistic development: language skills, social interaction, creativity, and early mathematical thinking through experiential and play-based learning.
Given Lausanne’s international community—home to organizations like the International Olympic Committee—language support for non-French-speaking children is robust, including specialized integration programs (“Accueil et Intégration”) ([Reference 3]).
Inclusive education is a priority, ensuring that children with special educational needs (SEN) are supported within mainstream educational settings through individualized programs.
As a kindergarten director, I find Lausanne’s model inspiring: it offers a rich environment where every child’s individuality is respected, multilingual skills are nurtured naturally, and learning is approached with both structure and warmth, building foundations for success in an interconnected world.

References:

• [1] Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK): Kindergarten Attendance Policies

• [2] Plan d’Études Romand (PER): Curriculum for French-Speaking Switzerland

• [3] Canton of Vaud: Accueil et Intégration Programs for Non-French-Speaking Children