FAQs

Answers to the most frequently asked questions.

FAQ

Are you new to Shichida? We provide answers to some commonly asked questions to help you get started:

We offer a trial class to help you decide before enrolling. By joining a scheduled class with enrolled families, you’ll experience our program firsthand. This immersive approach exposes you to the Shichida Early Learning Method authentically. You can then decide if enrolling is right for you.

Discounts

  • 5% On the spot discount: When you enrol immediately after your trial class, you’ll receive a one-off 5% discount on your first term’s fees.
  • Sibling discount: If there are two siblings enrolled within the same term, they’ll also qualify for a 5% discount each.
  • Referral program: Refer a friend and benefit from the offered discounts
  • Multi-course discount: You will be eligible to receive 5% when your child enrols in two courses in one term.

Fees

  • To enrol in our program, you must pay a one-off Life Membership fee of $100, per student.
  • Each term (Early years Program) carries a cost of $650, and payment for each full term is required in advance.
  • Please note that the fee must be paid through direct debit.
  • Re-enrolment for the following term occurs in week 7 of each term.
  • we provide payment options through third-party providers such as Edstart.

One teacher facilitates each class, overseeing six kids and six guardians (one guardian per child). As children reach the age of 4, we encourage them to enter the classroom independently, fostering independence and resilience.

Siblings under 2 years of age are allowed to attend the class as long as it causes minimal disruption. Instructors retain the right to request parents to remove siblings in case of disruptions. However, siblings above 2 years old or multiple siblings are not permitted to attend the class.

Our instructors undergo rigorous training, including mentorship and continuous professional development. This maintains the highest standards of teaching quality. They receive hands-on guidance over several weeks to master the Shichida Early Learning Method. We regularly update our training materials to provide instructors with the latest educational research. This intensive training equips our instructors with the skills and knowledge to effectively teach young children. As a result, our program delivers high-quality education that meets the needs of both parents and children. To enhance your child’s social skills and provide a diverse learning experience, our program involves interactions with multiple teachers. While your child may have the same instructor for a few terms, they will not throughout the entire program. Our instructors undergo extensive training in the Shichida Early Learning Method and receive mentorship to meet our high standards.

We believe that it is important for children to interact with individuals from different backgrounds to foster their overall development. Our staff members are passionate about working with children. You may be pleasantly surprised by your child’s ability to connect with multiple instructors!

FAQ: Attendance Questions

Our waitlist system enables you to select your preferred day and time, providing flexibility. If your desired spot is unavailable at the time of enrolment, we will add you to the list. Consequently, you will promptly be notified once the spot becomes available. We strongly recommend starting the program early to ensure you don’t miss out on the benefits of early learning.

Existing customers can join the waitlist for a preferred spot without any associated fees. However, non-enrolled families must pay a $100 enrolment fee to secure their place on the waitlist. If we are unable to offer a spot within a year, we will refund the fee.

Attending Shichida once a week is sufficient, but it is crucial to actively incorporate class teachings into daily life to maximise the benefits for children. For example, discussing quantities during bath time can reinforce the concepts taught in class.

Our instructors can provide ideas on how to incorporate our methods and offer assistance to children facing difficulties with learning or focusing. With over 60 years of research and extensive experience, we are well-equipped to provide sound advice and support.

Our centers strictly follow public holiday schedules, and no classes are conducted during these times. This allows both students and instructors to enjoy these special days with their families.

Moreover, we recognise that families may have varying schedules and may not be able to attend class on public holidays. Hence, we do not offer classes or charge fees on these days.We understand that missing a class can happen due to various reasons. That’s why we provide the opportunity to reschedule by offering 2 replacement classes per term. To take advantage of this option, simply contact us before the missed class, and we will arrange a suitable replacement time and location subject to availability. This ensures that your child doesn’t miss out on valuable learning opportunities and stays on track with their education.

To ensure the development and self-esteem of our students, we discourage children moving up a level in our age-specific program.

At Shichida, our teaching approach encompasses more than just academic activities. Although your child may demonstrate exceptional skills in certain areas, there may still be specific skills they need to master. For example, they may excel in reading and writing but struggle with concentration during image training. Similarly, they might have a strong grasp of numbers but find it challenging to sit still or interrupt others. We firmly believe in teaching children skills appropriate for their age. Consequently, our class materials progressively increase in complexity each month to facilitate this development.

To discontinue the program, you need to inform your center manager in writing before the re-enrollment due dates. The withdrawal form, which you will receive from the center manager, must be submitted to finalize the withdrawal process.

In case you request a refund, please inform us in writing with a 30-day notice period. Please note that there is a $20 cancellation fee for all refund requests. To finalise the refund process, we require the refund request form, which you will receive from the center manager.

Shichida Term Dates

Families can start the program anytime, offering flexibility and convenience. There’s no waiting for a specific enrollment period, allowing them to start when ready. Children can start when they are old enough or ready to learn. The option to begin anytime allows families to take advantage of the program’s benefits at the right time.

FAQ: Age-Related Questions

In terms of age, our program is designed for infants and children ranging from 6 months to 9 years old. Although the program extends up to 9 years of age, we do not accept new entries beyond 4 years and 6 months. Therefore we are currently accepting enrolments for kids aged 6 months to 4 ½ years old.

Our classes are generally organised by grouping kids within 3 months of each other in age.

Various factors, such as your child’s age at enrollment or the availability of suitable spots, can affect the exact grouping. We are always open to discussing different options with you to find the best fit for your child. To gain a better understanding of how our program works, we highly recommend attending a trial class first.

The last entry point to the program is at 4½ years old.

Our program accommodates children between 6 months and 9 years of age. We ask parents to note that our program has a latest entry point of 4½ years old. We believe that children’s self-esteem is important and that it is difficult for beginners to catch up after this age. As a result, we do not accept new students over 4½ years old. The brain forms 70% of its capacity during the “Sensitive Period”, which is why this age range is critical. We nurture new neural networks and instill essential values about life, resilience, love, and learning in children during this time.

Shichida’s program groups children based on brain development research within 3 months of age.

However, parents should note that we may place children born close together or premature children at different levels. For new students joining close to the 4½ years old cut-off, we may place them lower to help them catch up gradually with established foundations. This approach helps them familiarize with the program and catch up effectively.

6 months and older

During the Sensitive Period, the human brain undergoes significant growth.  Rapid brain development is undergone with 70% of the brain being formed between 0-3 years old. This is also the stage where children’s worldviews and attitudes towards life are formed. The Shichida Method is specifically designed to work in sync with this critical period. Our program engages and inspires new neural networks while instilling important messages about life, love, and learning.

Under 6 months old

During the Shichida program, we show children visual stimuli to develop their abilities. If your child is under 6 months old, their eyes may not be developed enough. Hence, it’s recommended that parents wait until their child is at least 6 months old to start the program.

Understanding the Shichida Method

Professor Makoto Shichida, an award-winning author and Doctor of Education, founded the Shichida Early Learning Method in Japan. He focused on brain development during children’s formative years. The program follows a once-a-week class format that lasts for 50 minutes per session. These classes are both educational and enjoyable, preparing your child for school and instilling a passion for learning. In addition to improving memory, language, numeracy, and literacy, the program also develops the whole brain and critical thinking abilities.

We facilitate your child’s learning journey in a unique and play-based environment, working closely with parents and guardians. Our goal is to make you their first and best teacher. Parents are encouraged to join classes until their child reaches the age of 4, enhancing the parent-child bond. Spending time together at Shichida is a special experience, and both kids and parents eagerly anticipate their weekly classes.

It’s important to note that early learning plays a vital role in a child’s development. It establishes the foundation for future academic and personal success. Additionally, early learning prevents developmental delays and reduces the likelihood of future academic and behavioral challenges. By investing in early learning, families can enjoy long-lasting benefits for their children.At Shichida Australia, we train children to become independent thinkers through our play-based classes, which boost their confidence and resilience. Our program is designed to enhance their memory, critical thinking, and language skills, providing them with valuable input and stimulation.  Ultimately, this will improve their concentration, learning, and problem-solving abilities.

By introducing important concepts to young, curious children, we foster a love of learning that will last a lifetime. The skills they learn at Shichida will prove useful for their entire lives. By enrolling your child in the Shichida early learning program, you can help them become school ready. Our program is designed to enhance essential skills such as memory, language proficiency, critical thinking, and more. Through participating in our educational classes, your child can develop a love of learning. Consequently, this builds a strong foundation for their academic future.

  • In the Shichida program, parents play a crucial role in their child’s learning journey. We believe in developing a strong learning relationship between the teacher, child and parent or guardian. Until the age of 4, one guardian will attend class with each child.
  • The presence of parents in the classroom helps to enhance the child’s learning experience. It also strengthens the bond between the child and the parent. Our program aims to make parents the child’s first and best teacher. Therefore, we encourage them to be actively involved in their child’s learning journey.
  • After turning 4, children transition to the classroom on their own. Instructors provide regular feedback to parents after each class and encourage them to work on homework with their children. Parents are also invited to observe a class throughout the term to stay engaged with their child’s progress.

The difference between Shichida and other early learning options is that Shichida offers a broader approach to introducing advanced concepts. Traditional preschools, early learning centres, kindergartens and childcare centres are good options for social development. Shichida on the other hand focuses on comprehensive brain development and memory training.

Our program combines elements from both Eastern and Western education systems to stimulate both the left and right brain. Unlike most learning centres that solely focus on the child, we also facilitate age-appropriate instruction for the child-parent unit. Consequently, both the parent and child are benefited. Our curriculum is globally renowned and developed based on extensive brain development research.
It’s worth noting that many families enrol their children in both Shichida and other early learning options, such as kindergartens. As a direct result of our program, your child will have a solid foundation for future success.

To ensure your child is comfortable and prepared for class, we recommend bringing a water bottle and jacket. Rest assured, all other necessary materials and equipment for the class will be provided by us. A Shichida class typically teaches a range of skills and concepts, through songs, games and engaging activities. Children develop creativity, memory, and image training. They gain confidence, concentration, intuition, and fine motor skills. They also enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, literacy (phonics, reading, writing), numeracy (identifying, counting, writing numbers), and observing flashcards on diverse topics. Additionally, parents actively participate in their children’s learning journey. Consequently, parents actively learn how to teach their kids at home. We set the class duration at 50 minutes to optimize the learning experience for children. We deliver multiple engaging activities at a fast pace, tailored to their age. This duration allows us to cover whole brain development activities while considering the children’s attention span. Our classes are designed to make children leave with a smile on their face, feeling excited and full of laughter. We optimize the 50-minute class time by including fun and interactive activities that are both engaging and rewarding. Learning through play feels effortless and enjoyable, leaving children feeling energized instead of tired. We activate the left brain by quickly going through the flashcards, which is a well-researched method of connecting the right and left brain. Flipping through the flashcards at a fast pace inputs mass amounts of information into the right brain, which helps to not only develop memory but also build vocabulary.To optimize your child’s learning experience, we incorporate repetition into our classes. While most of the weekly activities are new and challenging, we repeat some of the familiar ones, such as songs, flashcards, and recitations. By doing so, we help your child become more familiar with the content and improve their understanding and memory. Since repetition is a crucial aspect of learning for children, we use it as a tool to enhance their learning outcomes.We ensure that our classes build on each other to gradually increase difficulty as your child grows older. This is done at a pace that helps build their confidence and resilience, while keeping them interested. Our experienced teachers introduce new concepts and critical-thinking activities at an age-appropriate pace, ensuring that your child is continuously challenged and engaged. Our class has a few rules that everyone must follow for the benefit of all:

  • Wait for the teacher to open the door and invite you in before entering the classroom.
  • Refrain from taking pictures or videos while inside the classroom.
  • No food is allowed inside the classroom to keep it clean and tidy.
  • Avoid having side conversations during the lesson, so as not to distract others.
  • Put your phone on silent mode and keep it away during the class.

These simple rules are designed to ensure a safe, respectful and conducive learning environment for everyone. Our experienced teachers are skilled at introducing new concepts to children and encouraging them when they feel shy or resistant to trying something new. We have a high success rate in helping children build confidence, leading to a positive attitude towards learning and trying new things. In addition, our teachers provide tips on practicing at home and explain why certain activities are crucial for development.

Our curriculum considers children’s attention spans and capabilities, using teaching methods that provide an age-appropriate learning experience. For ages 0-3, the program emphasises input on various topics and skills. We gradually encourage output and skill consolidation from ages 4-9. Additionally, we also prioritise creating an environment where children can cultivate a love for learning. Our 50-minute weekly class ensures that students experience no pressure or fear. Each class begins with mindfulness breathing and meditation, and any assigned homework is optional.

“After succeeding to activate the right brain abilities, children can learn things easily at any school” – Professor Shichida

Shichida prioritizes teaching children how to learn, leading to self-motivated learners who excel in school. By focusing on learning skills rather than teaching everything, children have more time for hobbies and activities. Falling behind in school can be damaging to a child’s self-esteem and relationship with learning, therefore starting early makes it easier to stay ahead of the pack.

Children learn at different paces, and the age at which they start our program is significant for achieving maximum benefits.

Starting at 6 months old may take until ages 2-4 to see significant results. By age 5, you will notice a notable difference in concentration levels compared to those who started at age 4. You may observe improvements in concentration after attending for a term, while memory may improve within a month or two. Children who find it challenging to focus may require a more extended period to learn how to concentrate. It is crucial to focus on the things they can do and trust the process. As your child grows older, you will begin to notice more of the program’s benefits.

In our classes, we create a small, controlled environment that promotes the development of both social and academic skills. We thus focus on both IQ and EQ. Instructors lead interactions where children are given the chance to answer questions or give their opinion, building their confidence. We encourage positive social interactions based on a strong parent-teacher-child connection. Children practice taking turns when answering questions or showing completed sheets.

In addition, we actively foster an environment where children easily absorb social etiquette practised in our classes. We actively encourage the development of beautiful character traits such as honesty, empathy, patience and politeness.

Throughout the years, we have helped many families develop their children’s abilities through whole brain training. This positive development is recognized by prestigious media agencies, and some of our graduates have been featured on television. Our center has been showcased on A Current Affair, Sunrise, Big Shots, The Morning Show, 9 News, Today, 7 News, and more.

Shichida Centres

Our Shichida Centers are located in the following areas:

We operate during the following business hours:

  • Mondays to Fridays from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM, and from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM.
  • Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

However, during term breaks our hours are:

  • Mondays to Fridays from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM, and from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

During a lockdown, we maintain the same schedule for our classes and shift them to virtual form, delivering them online. Consequently, we use Microsoft Teams to host these online classes, ensuring their security through passwords. Most importantly, this approach provides children with stimulation, routine and consistency.We prioritize the health and safety of all our customers, including children. To ensure this, we take everyone’s temperature and require them to sanitize their hands before entering. Each classroom is equipped with an air filter to improve air quality. We also sterilize each classroom before every class to maintain both cleanliness and hygiene.

For those who do not reside near a Shichida center, we offer an alternative option to benefit from our program.

We provide Shichida at Home, our online early learning program. It offers a condensed version of the skills taught in our physical classes. It is available as an age-specific monthly subscription service. This program serves as both an educational tool and a coaching service for parents and children. It caters to ages 1 to 5 years old and offers a convenient and accessible alternative to physical classes. Find out more here: Shichida At Home.