FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
• My child is 3 years old and joining I can. Programs for the first time. What are the classes available for his age?
For three year old children who are new to our program, we recommend parents to start them in our Tiny Tot tumbling classes. There are 30-minute and 45-minute classes available. Each child is to be accompanied by one parent or family member. I can. instructors will guide the parent to take their child through the various exercises on the gymnastics equipment.
Once your child is ready, upon discussion with the instructor, they will be recommended to participate in the 3 to 6 year old class (drop off class; no parent participation).
• Does my child need previous gymnastics experience?
No. Our classes are designed to teach beginners to students who are familiar with gymnastics skills. We teach basic gymnastics only to provide a means to help build confidence in children.
• Can a student join the program at any time?
If there are openings available and the class you are interested in is an on-going class, meaning that it does not run for a specific term, then a student can join at any time. New students do not join on Parents’ Watching Days.
• Can my child take more than one class per week?
Yes. If there are openings in our on-going programs, then it is no problem.
Some classes with limited admittance (smaller class capacity & limited to students attending the school) allow you to register for only once a week.
• Is the activity safe?
Yes. Our instructors are highly qualified and trained. The children learn to do basic gymnastics skills to build their confidence. For example, the four basic skills that the students learn for tumbling are forward rolls, cartwheels, headstands, and back handsprings with support.
Our teaching method also emphasizes discipline and children do not play or run around during the class. Our classes are not playgroups. Children are encouraged to watch other children, which we feel is an essential part of the learning process.
• What level of gymnastics do the children do?
In all of our classes, we teach basic gymnastics skills.
• What is the facility and equipment available?
Our classes are held in gymnasiums and multi purpose rooms at the international schools. In the gymnasiums, gymnastics equipment such as the trampoline, balance beam, bar, vault with mini trampoline, and tumbling mats are available. In smaller facilities, there are tumbling mats and more compact equipment available.
• Do the parents get to watch the class?
Parents are invited to observe the entire class on Parents’ Watching Days usually held twice in one term. On other days, parents are asked to drop off and pick up their children. For new members, limited viewing time is available upon consultation with the instructor.
Tuition and cost
• What is the tuition?
The on-going classes require the purchase of tickets. The tickets come in 12 per booklet and are valid for either 12 weeks or 14 weeks. Tickets with 12 week validation must be used up within the 12 weeks, but the student can make up two classes within the validation. There is no make-up available for the tickets with 14 week validation (two extra weeks are given to attend 12 classes).
The classes set by term or by the school year are to be paid upfront for the entire number of classes. Tickets are not issued for these classes.
• Are the tickets to be used by a certain time frame?
Tickets are to be used in either 12 weeks or 14 weeks.
• Is there a registration or admission fee?
Yes, new students have a one time non refundable admission fee of 12,000 yen. It is 8,000 yen for children who attend ASIJELC, BST, ISSH, NIS, or a family member of TAC (our present locations). Tiny Tot program students on the weekends have a registration fee of 7,000 yen.
• Is there a registration or admission fee for classes organized through the schools or club?
No.
• What procedure do I take to re-register my child after the holidays?
If you have valid tickets, then your child is automatically re-registered after the holidays. In the case that you run out of tickets, please purchase your new set of tickets before the holidays to secure your child’s place.
• Can I use a ticket that has expired?
Unless I can. Programs has canceled a class and extended the validation, a ticket that has expired may NOT be used.
• I have tickets left over, what do I do?
If the tickets that you have are still valid, they may be transferred to another student in the same class. If you would like to transfer them to a student in a different class, please consult I can. Programs administrator.
• Can my two children participate in the class using tickets from the same booklet?
Families with more than one child participating on the same class day can purchase one booklet of 12 tickets at a time. When you run out of tickets, please purchase a new set of tickets. In this case, it is likely that you run out of tickets before the validation date.
• Can I sell my tickets?
Tickets may be sold to another student only when the tickets are valid. Each ticket is valued at 2,600 yen.
• Do I get a refund for the tickets?
We have a NO refund policy. If you are leaving Japan indefinitely, please consult the I can. Programs administrator.
Class, Registration & Other
• What should my child wear to class?
Children are to dress in comfortable exercise clothes. No skirts or dresses for girls, leotards are permissable. Children will take their shoes and socks off for the class.
• Does I can. Programs provide uniforms and if so, how do I purchase them?
I can. Programs sells I can. Logo T-shirts (2,500 yen tax inclusive). You can contact the I can. office and purchase them at your class.
• Can my housekeeper participate in the Tiny Tot class instead of me or my husband?
At the Tokyo American Club, I can. Tiny Tot tumbling classes are strictly limited to TAC member participation by TAC regulation. For Tiny Tot classes held outside of TAC in an EMERGENCY case that the parents cannot participate, housekeepers or maids may take their place.
• What happens when my child is absent from class?
Parents may call or email the I can. Programs Office at anytime to inform us of the absence. Tickets may be used for a make-up class within the validation. I can. staff will contact students who miss a class.
• In case of emergency, where do I call to get hold of my child?
Parents may call Ms. Wakabayashi (090-3902-6450) and we will make immediate arrangement.
• My family is leaving for a vacation (home leave). What do I do?
Please contact the I can. Programs administrator. For three weeks or more absences, we will give extension for the ticket validation.
• My child has special needs. Is it possible for him to participate?
Our instructors are trained to teach children with special needs and our program has experience accommodating these children. Please consult I can. Programs Director, Mr. Lee to discuss your child’s needs if necessary.
• Are there any other activities during the school year outside of the weekly program?
I can. Programs annually holds Spring, Summer, and Winter Sessions. The Spring and Winter Sessions are one-week (Monday to Friday) intensive day-camps. The children participate for a maximum of 5 hours a day for the week. The Summer Sessions are a total of 4 weeks during the summer. Registration per week is possible.
• How do I sign-up for ASIJELC / BST / NIS after school activity?
Registration is open to the students attending the school only. ASIJIELC are for the entire school year. Sign-up is on a first-come-first-basis.
BST and NIS programs have sign-ups for September to December (1 st term) and for January to June (2 nd term). Sign-up is on a first-come-first-basis.
• How many instructors teach the class?
The student instructor ratio in the 3 to 6 year old classes is one instructor for up to 15 students. The student instructor ratio in the 6 to 12 year old classes is one instructor for up to 20 students.
In the weekend classes at I.S.S.H. and N.I.S. there are 4 to 5 instructors teaching.