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)

スイス最大の都市チューリッヒは、同国の「地方分権型ながら整然とした」幼児教育の特徴を体現しています。ドイツ語圏に位置するチューリッヒでは、通常4歳または5歳から「キンダーガルテン（Kindergarten）」が始まり、初等教育前の2年間が義務付けられています。
教育方針は州（カントン）ごとに策定されますが、チューリッヒ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）」に準拠しており、言語力、社会情緒的発達、基礎的な科学的思考を、遊びを通して育むことが基本方針となっています。
また、チューリッヒでは早期のバイリンガル教育（例：ドイツ語・英語）や、移民児童向けのドイツ語支援（DaZプログラム）が積極的に実施されており、多文化共生にも力を入れています。
特別支援を要する子どもたちへのインクルーシブな支援体制も整えられています。
学びの厳密さと子ども一人ひとりへの温かいまなざしを両立するチューリッヒの教育モデルは、私たちにとっても大きな学びとなるものです。

Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country, reflects a strong regional identity within Spain’s national early childhood education framework. Following the “Educación Infantil” structure ([Reference 1]), children have universal and free access to the second cycle (ages 3–6), focusing on emotional, language, and cognitive development.
In Bilbao, bilingual education is emphasized through the “Modelo D” system ([Reference 2]), where Basque (Euskara) is the primary language of instruction, promoting fluency alongside Spanish. Many preschools offer full Basque immersion or bilingual models, reinforcing regional cultural identity from an early age.
The Basque government also invests in early education innovation through initiatives like “Heziberri 2020” ([Reference 3]), which encourages child-centered learning, outdoor education, and family engagement.
As a kindergarten director, I find Bilbao’s integration of linguistic heritage, strong academic structure, and emphasis on child-centered growth a remarkable model—showing how education can nurture deep roots while fostering open, inquisitive minds.

References:

• [1] Spanish Ministry of Education and Vocational Training: Educación Infantil Framework

• [2] Basque Government: Language Models in Education (Modelo D System)

• [3] Heziberri 2020: Basque Early Childhood Education Strategy