Geneva, located in the French-speaking part of Switzerland (Romandy), offers a distinct early childhood education system shaped by linguistic and cultural diversity. Kindergarten (“école enfantine”) starts at age four and is compulsory for two years before primary education ([Reference 1]).
Geneva follows the “Plan d’Études Romand” ([Reference 2]), a shared curriculum across French-speaking Swiss cantons, focusing on holistic development through play, social skills, early literacy, numeracy, and cultural awareness.
Given Geneva’s international profile, with over 40% of its residents being foreigners, there is a strong emphasis on language support and multicultural education. Special language support programs (“Accueil et Intégration” classes) help non-French-speaking children transition smoothly into regular classes ([Reference 3]).
Additionally, Geneva prioritizes inclusive education, ensuring that children with special educational needs are integrated with specialized support into mainstream settings.
As a kindergarten director, I find Geneva’s inclusive, internationally aware, and child-centered model a powerful example of how early childhood education can foster both individual growth and social cohesion in a diverse society.

References:

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

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

• [3] Canton of Geneva: Accueil et Intégration Programs for Non-French Speakers

スイスのフランス語圏に位置するジュネーブは、言語的・文化的多様性を色濃く反映した幼児教育を展開しています。
4歳から「エコール・アンファンティーヌ（école enfantine）」に入園し、初等教育前の2年間が義務付けられています【出典1】。
ジュネーブでは、「ロマンド学習計画（Plan d’Études Romand, PER）」【出典2】に準じ、遊びを通じた全人的な発達、社会性、初期リテラシー・数的思考、文化理解の育成に重点が置かれています。
市民の約4割以上が外国人という国際都市ジュネーブでは、多文化教育と言語支援が特に重視されており、フランス語を母語としない子どもたちには「受入・統合クラス（Accueil et Intégration）」【出典3】を通じた支援が提供されています。
また、特別な支援を必要とする子どもたちに対するインクルーシブな体制も整備されており、すべての子どもが共に学び成長できる環境が整えられています。
国際性と包摂性を兼ね備えたジュネーブの教育モデルは、多様な社会に生きる子どもたちにとって理想的な学びの場であると感じます。

Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city, reflects the country’s decentralized but structured approach to early childhood education. Kindergarten (“Kindergarten” in German-speaking regions) typically begins at age four or five and is compulsory for at least two years before primary school ([Reference 1]).
Education policies are determined by cantons, but Zurich follows the “Lehrplan 21” ([Reference 2]), a harmonized curriculum framework focusing on language skills, social-emotional development, and basic scientific thinking through play-based learning.
Zurich emphasizes bilingualism from an early stage. Many public kindergartens offer early German-English programs, and migrant children’s language support (“DaZ” – Deutsch als Zweitsprache) is well established ([Reference 3]).
Furthermore, Zurich prioritizes inclusive education, providing tailored support for children with special needs and integrating them into mainstream classrooms wherever possible.
As a kindergarten director, I am impressed by Zurich’s careful balance: maintaining high academic standards while respecting each child’s developmental pace and multicultural background—a model that harmonizes excellence and humanity.

References:

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

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

• [3] Zurich City Council: Language Support for Migrant Children (DaZ Program)