Early childhood education emphasizes the following three areas: studying how young children (primarily ages 3–5 years) develop physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally in various environments; developing curricula and teaching methods that will facilitate children's optimal development; and researching the effects of education. Because the quality of a child's experience at school is dependent on the quality of teachers, the issue of teacher training is vital in this field.

 Students who graduate from this division are granted the professional qualifications necessary to become kindergarten teachers. They can also acquire a level one teaching certificate and become elementary school teachers by earning credits in several additional subjects. The academic staff consists of two professors, two associate professors, and one assistant professor for the 20 students in each year. Many part-time lecturers, who are experts in various areas (e.g., writers of juvenile literature), also provide a variety of lectures, seminars, and practical knowledge.

 Students are expected to acquire not only practical but also widely applicable knowledge. They are also expected to be able to relate theories to practice.

• Training Division for Kindergarten Teachers

SUNAGAMI Fumiko is a Professor with research interests in Early Childhood Care and Education.

NAKAMICHI Keito is a Professor with research interests in Developmental Psychology and ECEC (Early Childhood Care and Education).

KOMA Kumiko is an Associate Professor with research interests in Early Childhood Care and Education especially musical expression.

YODOGAWA Yumi is an Associate Professor with research interest in Early Childhood Care and Education.