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Our English materials selected by teachers in the USA.
For children 3~12 years old
English-Japanese bilingual school.
Let's raise your child to be a global citizen together!

21 years of teaching experience.
Taught more than 5,000 students worldwide.
We have sent many students
to top American universities.

What is TLC for Kids?

TLC for Kids (The Learning Center for Kids) is an early childhood enrichment school that teaches children using a unique teaching method that involves music and flashcards. We also provide private lessons to meet older children's educational needs. We effectively incorporate Eastern and Western teaching methods in our lessons and interact with students in ways that help them form good study skills. This also motivates children more, enhances memory and thinking skills, and leads to an appreciation of good study habits.

Results

Content recognized by teachers
across the U.S. as "high quality material"

This program was ranked second in the "Most Effective Teaching Materials" category by Open Ed,
the largest educational resource site in the U.S.with over 250,000 teachers.

Our Founder 21 years of teaching experience,
more than 5,000+ students

Mr. Toru Funatsu, is a professional who has been involved in Japanese-English bilingual education for more than 5,000 children in Hawaii, Los Angeles and Shanghai over the past 21 years.
His meticulously crafred curriculum is designed to give children a sense of accomplishment and fun.
His published books include:
・World Standard Parenting
・How to Raise English Proficiency in a Globally Successful Child.

TLC students enroll in top American universities
and succeed globally

TLC students go on to study at top universities around the world, including Harvard, Yale and, Brown University, the University of Pennsylvania, and the Ivy League, the world's most difficult university, and are successful on a global scale.

Testimonials

Top of the class in the Reading Group at school!

I was selected as a VIP student and Student of the Month in my class at school. I was also able to join the top reading group.
I also won the field hockey league championship in Colorado recently.
They are working hard to achieve the goals of TLC, which is to promote both learning and sports.
4th grade student

Only one student per school year can receive the "Student of the Week" award!

I thanked my homeroom teacher for the nomination.
The teacher said, "He always listens so well!
The school motto is "Keep it REAL!" and they nominate a star student every week who has the acronym Respect, Empathy, Awareness, and Learning.
He has been attending TLC since he was one and a half years old, which has helped him learn how to work at a desk for long hours and how to listen.

KG class students

My daughter just passed an entrance exam at a popular kindergarten.

She was able to stay positive and concentrate until the end of the exam.
What is your favorite color? She answered "Momo-iro" to the teacher's question.
I asked her why she didn't say "pink."She told me that her Japanese teacher at TLC taught her to say "Momo-iro" in Japanese, and since it was a Japanese school she thought it would be better that way!
I realized that she has learned a lot from her Japanese teacher.
I am very grateful to the teachers at TLC for their patience and guidance.

*A student who is taking both Japanese and English classes at TLC

Japanese school
Kinder class students

Only one student per school year can receive the "Student of the Week" award!

I thanked my homeroom teacher for the nomination.
The teacher said, "He always listens so well!
The school motto is "Keep it REAL!" and they nominate a star student every week who has the acronym Respect, Empathy, Awareness, and Learning.
He has been attending TLC since he was one and a half years old, which has helped him learn how to work at a desk for long hours and how to listen.

KG class students

TLC's Mission

At TLC, our mission is to be a school that empowers the children of today to grow into the leaders of tomorrow.
If you look back on the past 20 years, you will see that our society has gone through remarkable changes.Technological advancements, especially the proliferation of Internet usage, have changed the world as we know it.
In the age of information, a smartphone is all it takes to deliver news from around the world right to your fingertips.
In the next 20 years, the rate at which these changes occur will only accelerate.
Larry Page, the founder of Google, has on many occasions remarked at how drastically the job market will change with improvements in Artificial Intelligence technology.
As Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, has stated, “Technology over time will reduce demand for jobs, particularly at the lower end of the skill set… 20 years from now, labor demand for lots of skill sets will be substantially lower.”
The goal of education is to foster the skills that our children will need to become productive and successful members of the society of the future. 
So, what exactly are the skills necessary to thrive in the next 20 years?
The answer is “TLC.” 
T stands for Thinking Skills.
Who am I? What are my strengths? What kind of life do I want to lead? Thinking Skills are essential to cutting your own path through life. Steve Jobs of Apple Inc. and Jack Ma of Alibaba both created futures that no one before them had even imagined. Without strong Thinking Skills, it is impossible to stray from the well-trodden path. TLC fosters the Thinking Skills that inspire our future leaders.
L stands for
Language Skills
English is the world’s most widely spoken language. Inevitably, those who cannot understand English are left behind in the newest global innovations in business, technology, medicine, and education. Using an effective, teacher-approved curriculum, TLC cultivates a high level of English literacy in its students. Reading and writing are a given; we aim to equip our students with the Language Skills necessary for self expression. 
C stands for 
Communication Skills
In our world today, the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively is valued just as much, if not more, than simple knowledge retention. Globalization has made Communication Skills essential to success. TLC uses a theatrical, song-based teaching method to create an environment conducive to learning teamwork skills through work and play.
C stands for 
Communication Skills
In our world today, the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively is valued just as much, if not more, than simple knowledge retention. Globalization has made Communication Skills essential to success. TLC uses a theatrical, song-based teaching method to create an environment conducive to learning teamwork skills through work and play.

TLC for kids Methodology

TLC for Kids differentiates from other competing schools through its special teaching method that materializes quick and effective results. Instead of taking a traditional approach to teaching, TLC strives to make learning fun for the students through three different channels.

These approaches to teaching stimulate memory and oral communication skills as well as creativity. Memory games, mazes, and hands-on activities also help to develop analytical thinking abilities. Acting as a supplement to in-class activities is a comprehensive set of homework catered to the student’s level of ability. In addition, parents are able to access the monthly music and video files that are used in class to further solidify the students’ memory retention and create strong study habits. By doing so, the children will experience the learning process without the strain of traditional methods, making them the ones wanting to come back to learn.
Music
Visual Cues
Theatrical Activities
Theatrical Activities

3step study plan for your child

STEP 1
Hearing on current situation

In addition to their age and grade, we will ask you about your child's background,and their English or Japanese learning history. We will introduce you to the best class for your child. Your child will have the opportunity to participate in a trial class. Parents are welcome to watch from the back of the classroom during the trial class.

STEP 2
Suggest the best class
After the teacher checks your child's level of proficiency (which is done casually and naturally during class), the classroom manager will make a suggestion on the future of your child. You will be asked to suggest a class and arrange the day and time. You will be asked to sign up for some paperwork, and you will be given a special file and instructions on how to do homework.
STEP 3
Regular educational counseling
All staff members share information about your child's learning and proficiency level. We also provide individual educational counseling on homework and other issues as needed. Once a month, our founder, Mr. Toru Funatsu, writes an educational column, and we also provide streaming materials and videos for students to listen to at home. We provide an effective learning environment at home and at our school.
STEP 3
Regular educational counseling
All staff members share information about your child's learning and proficiency level. We also provide individual educational counseling on homework and other issues as needed. Once a month, our founder, Mr. Toru Funatsu, writes an educational column, and we also provide streaming materials and videos for students to listen to at home. We provide an effective learning environment at home and at our school.

About Class & Tuition

The recommended class will be suggested by the teacher and classroom manager after the trial lesson.
Registration fee: $100 (first time only)

Japanese Class

Beginner class
$160 (4 lessons/month)
45 minutes per lesson
First-time learners of Japanese Ages 3 to 10 years old. Still do not know hiragana Can' t read hiragana yet.
Intermediate class
$160 (4 lessons/month)
45 minutes per lesson
・Recognizes hiragana
・Can read words he/she knows, but cannot read unknown words
・Any age above 3 years old

We teach the "language of learning”. We teach concept words that are difficult for children to remember, such as shapes, colors, numbers, spatial awareness, days of the week, months, clocks, seasons, etc., as well as nouns, adjectives, and action words for animals, fish, food, etc., with illustrations.
Advanced class
$160 (4 lessons/month)
45 minutes per lesson
Students above Intermediate level

We will teach your child how to read and write kanji and how to read books in Japanese. The secret to bilingualism is to be able to read Japanese books smoothly and without stress. By reading a large amount of text appropriate to the level of the child, the goal is to encourage comfortability with Japanese print and to develop children who can read books on their own.
Private class
$876 (12-session package)
60 minutes per session
(Ex) 4 lessons/month x 3 months standard course
We offer custom-made lessons according to your child's level of proficiency and needs.

English Class

Beginner Class
$160 (4 lessons/month)
45 minutes per lesson
  • First-time learners of English
    3-10 year olds who don't know the sounds of the alphabet and can't match capital and lower case letters yet.
Intermediate class
$160 (4 lessons/month)
45 minutes per lesson
  • Can recognize letter sounds
  • Able to read known words but not unknown words
  • Any age from 3 years old.
Advanced class
$160 (4 lessons/month)
45 minutes per lesson
  • Can read 3-5 letter words at first sight, at any age.
  • May need to expand Familiality with at least 220 Dolch Sight Words.
  • Can understand at least 500 words.
  • 5 years old and above (students who are almost 5 accepted)
SRA class
$160 (4 lessons/month)
45 minutes per lesson
  • Students who have already completed the Advanced class level.
  • Students who want to strengthen their reading writing and speaking skills.
Private class
$876  (12-session package) 60 minutes per session(Ex) 4 lesson/month x 3 months standard course
We offer custom-made lessons according to your child's level of proficiency and needs.
Intermediate class
$160 (4 lessons/month)
45 minutes per lesson
  • Can recognize letter sounds
  • Able to read known words but not unknown words
  • Any age from 3 years old.

Included in tuition

    • Monthly curriculum song fees
    • Monthly Homework Worksheet
    • Reading Sheet
    • Monthly newsletter subscription fee
    • Consultation fee for bilingual staff (unlimited in principle)
    • Monthly Homework Worksheet

FAQ

  • Q
    At what age can my child attend?
    A

    For English-speaking children, we recommend English classes from 1.5 years old and Japanese classes from 3 years old. For Japanese speaking children, we recommend English classes from 3 years old, and Japanese classes from 1.5 years old. There are individual differences, so please contact us for more information.

  • Q
    How long is each class?
    A
    Each class is basically 45 minutes long. ( Classes for older children are not included.) In that 45 time, we use flash cards, reading, and games to keep the class moving at a good pace.
  • Q
    Do you have homework?
    A
    Yes, we do. We have original worksheets for your child to improve their reading fluency. The content of the worksheets is designed in a spiral and step-by-step manner so that your child can steadily acquire skills while building up his or her confidence.
  • Q
    Can I take a make-up class if I can't make it?
    A
    Yes, it is possible. However, please make sure to notify us by phone or email at least 30 minutes before the class starts. Please note that any absence without notice will be considered a missed lesson.
  • Q
    If I miss a class due to sudden illness, can I make up a class?
    A
    Yes, it is possible. We ask that you contact us by phone or email at least 30 minutes before the class starts. Please note that any absence without notification will be considered a missed lesson. For more details, we will explain the terms and conditions when your child joins.
  • Q
    Do you pay by direct deposit or by credit card?
    A
    Basically, we will set up an automatic withdrawal from your bank account (US bank accounts only), but we can also accept credit cards. Please note that if you wish to pay by credit card, an additional $5 will be added to your monthly tuition as a handling fee.
  • Q
    Should my child start in Japanese class or English class?
    A

    It depends on the child's age, language ability, and future plans for residency. In general, children of permanent families in the U.S. will learn Japanese first, while children of expatriate families and other short-term residents will be given priority in English. If you join us for a trial lesson, our counselor will advise you on the class that best suits your child's needs.

    Bilingual parenting can cause a lot of problems if the order of language development is wrong. In order to raise your child to be an excellent bilingual, it is extremely important to have a clear language development plan. If you have any questions or concerns about bilingual parenting, please contact us at TLC for Kids.
     

  • Q
    How much do classes cost?
    A

    TLC classes cost $160 per month.  There is also a $100 registration fee for each child.  If your child will miss a month of classes for any reason, you have the option to pay $35 for class reservation and receive the homework for that month.

  • Q
    Why should I enroll my child in a TLC program?
    A

    TLC offers children an opportunity to learn at an accelerated rate. It will prepare children for the challenges of a normal classroom setting and provide them with learning strategies that will give them the head start over other students.

  • Q
    How can I preview a free class?
    A

    Call (310) 375-0202 or follow the link below to schedule an appointment.  Your child can sit in an actual class and participate with the class as well.  Parents are allowed to watch the introductory class and decide for themselves whether or not to sign up.

  • Q
    How do I enroll my child in a TLC program?
    A

    Call (310) 375-0202 to schedule an appointment for a free introductory class.

  • Q
    How much Japanese knowledge is required to enroll in a Japanese class?
    A
    Japanese classes are taught in Japanese. If your child does not speak Japanese or speaks very little Japanese, our regular Japanese class may be too challenging for them. However, we do offer Japanese as a Second Language (JSL) classes as an alternative for students who know little to no Japanese. Very young students (18 mo-3 years) who have not started speaking in their dominant language may try taking either the Japanese class or JSL class.
  • Q
    How long is each class?
    A
    Each class is basically 45 minutes long. ( Classes for older children are not included.) In that 45 time, we use flash cards, reading, and games to keep the class moving at a good pace.

Classroom Hours & Access

TLC for kids Los Angeles

Address
3142 Pacific Coast Highway Suite201 Torrance CA 90505
Class Hours
Monday ~ Friday 3:00~3:45 4:00~4:45, 5:00~5:45, 6:00~6:45
Holidays
Closed on Sunday
Map
Map

TLC for Kids Los Angeles CEO

Kayoko Takei(Japanese class teacher)

Graduated from Hiroshima University with a major in school education and completed an elementary school teacher development program. While at university, she obtained a first-class kindergarten teacher's license, a first-class elementary school teacher's license, a first-class middle and high school mathematics teacher's license, and a librarian's license. After graduation, she worked for four years at the Hiroshima City Education Association, a lifelong learning education facility, and public elementary school. In 2007, she retired from teaching and moved to Tokyo to start her own business. In 2009, she became a freelance preserved flower salon owner, and in 2011, she established the Preserved Flower Arrangement Association, which she renamed in 2016. As the representative director, she mainly produces instructors and proposes a lifestyle with flowers.
She is the mother of two children, a girl born in 2013 and a boy born in 2015.
She immigrated to Hawaii from November 2017,for education purposes.
She studies under the TLC for Kids founders, Mr. Toru Funatsu and Ms. Ikuko Funatsu.
She also sent her own children to TLC for Kids Hawaii to develop a bilingual foundation.
After returning to Japan in 2018, she practiced bilingual parenting in Japan for 3 years before moving to L.A. in 2021. She is currently practicing Japanese-English bilingual parenting in L.A.

Admission Benefits

The following gift will be given to those who decide to enroll in our school. Please make use of them to immerse your child in English or Japanese at home. We also have a small gift for those who introduce us to their friends.

SNS

Instagram
Tips and Q&A
on raising bilingual children
(in Japanese)

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