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

ローザンヌは、フランス語圏ヴォー州に位置し、包摂性、多言語環境、子ども中心の教育哲学が特徴的な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、初等教育前に2年間の就園が義務付けられています。
ローザンヌでは、「ロマンド学習計画（Plan d’Études Romand, PER）」に基づき、言語能力、社会的スキル、創造力、初期数学的思考を、体験型・遊び中心の学びを通して育成することが重視されています。
また、国際オリンピック委員会（IOC）など国際機関が拠点を置く国際都市でもあり、フランス語以外を母語とする子どもたちへの支援（Accueil et Intégrationプログラム）も充実しています。
特別支援を要する子どもたちにも個別支援計画を通じてインクルーシブな学びの場が確保されています。
すべての子どもたちの個性を尊重し、多文化・多言語の中で自然に成長を促すローザンヌの教育モデルは、グローバル時代にふさわしい理想的な基盤づくりを示しています。

Basel, located at the intersection of Switzerland, Germany, and France, offers a unique trilingual and culturally rich approach to early childhood education. Kindergarten (“Kindergarten”) typically begins at age four and is compulsory for two years before primary school ([Reference 1]).
Basel-Stadt follows the “Lehrplan 21” ([Reference 2]), emphasizing play-based learning, early language development, basic numeracy, social skills, and cultural awareness.
Given Basel’s proximity to neighboring countries and its international business profile, there is a strong commitment to multilingualism. German is the primary language of instruction, but French and English exposure is increasingly common. Support for non-German-speaking children is provided through specialized “DaZ” (Deutsch als Zweitsprache) programs ([Reference 3]).
Basel also prioritizes inclusive education, ensuring that children with additional needs are integrated with appropriate support into mainstream settings, aligning with Switzerland’s commitment to inclusive schooling.
As a kindergarten director, I admire Basel’s model—a structured yet open environment where linguistic diversity, early socialization, and academic foundations are nurtured harmoniously from the earliest stages of learning.

References:

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

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

• [3] Canton Basel-Stadt Education Department: Language and Integration Support Programs