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

スイス、ドイツ、フランスの国境が交わる場所に位置するバーゼルは、多言語・多文化に満ちたユニークな幼児教育モデルを展開しています。
通常、4歳から「キンダーガルテン（Kindergarten）」に入園し、初等教育前に2年間の義務教育期間を経ることが求められます【出典1】。
バーゼル＝シュタット州では、ドイツ語圏スイス共通カリキュラム「レールプラン21（Lehrplan 21）」【出典2】に基づき、遊びを通じた学び、言語発達、基礎的な数的理解、社会性、文化意識の育成に重点が置かれています。
国際都市バーゼルでは、ドイツ語を基盤としつつ、フランス語や英語への早期接触が増えており、言語的多様性が積極的に育まれています。ドイツ語を母語としない子どもたちには、「DaZ（Deutsch als Zweitsprache）」【出典3】プログラムを通じた支援が提供されています。
また、特別な支援を要する子どもたちに対しても、適切な支援とともに通常クラスへのインクルージョンが推進されています。
バーゼルの、秩序だった中にも開かれた、多言語・多文化を尊重する教育環境は、未来を見据えた幼児教育の理想形といえるでしょう。

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