The strongest start begins with play

Leading early childhood education in Qingdao

Your child’s first years are the most important years. Research shows that 90% of a child’s brain develops before age five, laying the foundation for lifelong learning, behavior and health. During these early years, children form the building blocks for language, emotional regulation and cognitive skills that influence future academic and social success.

At International School of Qingdao, our Early Childhood Center (ECC) offers one of the most trusted, play-based early learning programs in the region. We create an environment where every moment is purposeful, joyful and designed to help young learners thrive. Our ECC does more than teach letters and numbers—it teaches children how to think, feel, connect and grow.

In our classrooms, play is not a break from learning. It is the learning.

Every activity is designed to spark curiosity, encourage problem-solving and strengthen communication. Children explore math through hands-on sorting and counting, develop storytelling skills through dramatic play, and build scientific thinking through nature investigations. Every tower built and every role played is a step in development.

We educate the whole child—mind, body and heart.

Art, music, physical education and library are integrated into weekly learning. These experiences help children express themselves, strengthen motor skills and build a lifelong love for reading and movement. Our classrooms are full of color, rhythm, language and story—designed to activate every part of a child’s development.

And you’re part of that story.

We believe learning is strongest when parents and teachers work together. Through concerts, class celebrations and special events, families are deeply involved in the learning journey. Whether it’s a Mother’s Day picnic or a birthday party, we welcome you to be part of your child’s early school life.

Give your child a strong, joyful start.
Applications are now open for the 2025–26 school year.
Book a tour to visit our ECC and see purposeful play in action, or contact our Admissions team to learn more about how to begin your child’s journey at International School of Qingdao