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Apr. 28, 2005 New Child Care Program that Responds to Child Development Yoichi Sakakihara, M.D., Professor, Ochanomizu University

Ochanomizu University, a leading institution of higher education for women in Japan, and Aprica Kassai, Inc., a manufacturer of childcare products, have jointly established a Child Care and Education Program to study the ways scientifically these fields can contribute to the happiness of children. The Child Care and Education Program began in April 2005 at the Research Center for Child and Adolescent Development and Education (RCCADE) which was established in 2002. In this degree-granting program, child care professionals study the latest research and scholarship in brain science, child-rearing, and other relevant fields to enhance their hands-on capabilities at work. Most courses are offered at night and on Saturdays, making it possible for working students to complete the required number of credits for a Bachelor's Degree in Education. Another distinctive feature of this program is the faculty composed of scientists and academics in diverse fields with classes centered on practical knowledge backed by the latest research. Many new fields have been added to the study of child care and education since professionals working today finished school. These include the developmental psychology of infant behavior and infant development and brain science, for example. Contemporary child care theory and information sciences for child care providers are also new areas that reflect social and technological change. Infant behavioral science and brain science are vastly contributing to our knowledge of the mechanisms of infant development and the enormous effect of the environment. As a pediatrician and specialist in child neurology, I also have an interest in child care and child raising. I believe there is an urgent need to share new knowledge and practical approaches with the parents and guardians who are busy raising children. This Child Care and Education Program is the first step in creating a new field of Child Care and Education for happy children. For further information: Child Care and Education Program Website (Japanese) RCCADE Website Let's Talk!

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