ABOUT
JLC Victoria was born out of a passion for Japanese bilingual education in Canada.
In 2017, a mother had a vision: to open the first JAPANESE IMMERSION PRESCHOOL in Victoria for her own child. That vision became a reality in 2018 and since then, this first and only licensed Japanese immersion childcare on Vancouver Island has continued to grow — supported by wonderful educators and a vibrant local community.
We believe in the power of LEARNING THROUGH PLAY. Children learn best when they are having fun, and that belief is at the heart of everything we do. Our programs are designed to be joyful, engaging, and meaningful for every child.
We are also committed to a JAPANESE ONLY environment. Immersion in the Japanese language and culture — as naturally and organically as possible — is essential to our approach. Our goal is not to make children study Japanese, but to make them love coming back and using it.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
HOLISTIC EDUCATION
We believe in the importance of well-rounded education.
LEARNING THROUGH PLAY
We value child-initiated free play to cultivate child's independence of mind.
DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE CURRICULUM
We value individual differences and stimulate growth individually.
POSITIVE BEHAVIORAL GUIDANCE
We value positive guidance to respect every stage of child's growth.
MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION
We believe in the benefits bestowed by diversity.
OUR TEAM
AYAKO
Founder/School Director/Educator
Language education has always been Ayako's passion, and she has been teaching children both in Japan and Canada while deepening her knowledge & experience in business management, working for global corporations. After settling in Victoria, she decided to open the first Japanese immersion preschool in Victoria with Yuri.
YURI
Principal/ Educator (ECE)
Yuri has raised her own children in Japanese in Victoria and pursued her career as an Early Childhood Educator. She has worked in the local daycare facility for over 10 years and she also has extensive experience in teaching Japanese language & culture in Victoria over 20 years.
AYA
School Manager/Educator (ECE)
Aya obtained a kindergarten teacher license in Japan, became an ECE in Canada and joined JLC in 2021. She has tremendous experience in early childhood education both in Japan and Canada, not only as a kindergarten teacher but also as a professional nanny in Canada over ten years. She became a facility manager in 2023 after managing the preschool program for two years.
KEIKO
Educator
Keiko has over-10-years of experience in teaching Japanese for preschoolers in Victoria while she raised her own children. She has been working for JLC since the opening of our preschool program in 2018, supporting children and parents at the infant/toddler classes and the after school club as well.
MIYOKO
Educator
Miyoko worked as a kindergarten teacher in Japan before moving to Canada. She has been also teaching Japanese for kindergarten children in Victoria over ten years. She joined JLC in 2020 and has been supporting children and parents at Infant/Toddler, preschool and after-school programs.
