Early Childhood

In our Early Childhood Education (ECE) programme, children aged two to five begin their lifelong learning journeys. Our Qingdao preschool’s nurturing, play-based, and multicultural environment, supported by our dynamic Kindergarten Co-Teachers and classrooms, ensures that each young learner's unique interests and curiosities flourish. By offering children a high-quality and engaging education starting in Kindergarten, YCIS helps children discover the joy of learning.

The concepts and skills that are important for preschool learning are embedded in meaningful activities in our indoor and outdoor environments. In our classrooms and play areas, children see themselves as readers and writers: they retell their favourite stories and express themselves through drawing, reading, and writing whilst developing fundamental language skills. Building with blocks, cooking, and sand and water play all provide infinite opportunities for our Kindergarten students to learn and practise skills such as mathematics and learn concepts of scientific discovery.

Co-teaching effectively facilitates a bilingual learning environment where Chinese and English are equally valued. Each class has an experienced Early Years team with two Co-Teachers, one  English-speaking Western teacher and one Bilingual Chinese teacher, who plan together for the learning needs of their students. As equal partners in the classroom, ECE Co-Teachers provide an environment where children interact naturally, feel comfortable about their own identity and language, and begin to move easily between cultures. This environment contributes positively towards a child's future success in school and later in their future, helping them succeed in an increasingly globalised world.

At our school, two Co-Principals, one Western and one Chinese, work together to provide academic leadership and oversee the implementation of Early Childhood Education at their respective campuses. Our successful cross-cultural collaboration acts as a model for Co-Teachers, students, and the greater YCIS community alike.