Christian Academy in Japan

CAJ supports social and emotional learning (SEL) through a coordinated school-wide approach led by the K-12 guidance office and the multi-disciplinary Support Team. The Support Team includes a Health Coordinator, Guidance Coordinator, Guidance Staff, Resource Staff, and Division Principals who identify students' needs, coordinate internal and external services, and advocate for families. EAL services sit under the Support Team umbrella and may inform next steps when language development affects learning; EAL input is integrated with subject teachers and EAL staff to support learners. The Guidance Center provides study skills, career testing and guidance, college guidance, academic support, and high school course scheduling; the guidance counselor offers limited, non-intensive personal counseling, with more serious issues referred to outside resources. The Health Center is staffed by a full-time nurse to promote health and safety, complementing wellbeing supports available through guidance and resource staff. These elements collectively support students' wellbeing and emotional learning within the academic program.

CAJ supports students with special educational needs through a multi-disciplinary Support Team that identifies students, coordinates internal and external services, and communicates with and advocates for families. The team's members include Health Coordinator, Guidance Coordinator, Guidance Staff, Resource Staff, and Division Principals; EAL services are provided under the Support Team umbrella and can guide next steps when language learning affects achievement. CAJ does not present itself as a specialist SEN institution; accommodation plans are coordinated by the Support Team and related staff, with resource teachers assisting identified learners. The Learning Resources Center (LRC) offers one-on-one support, small-group work, and services such as reading/writing support, study skills, and organizational assistance to aid learners with diverse needs. Parallel Educational Services operates as a CAJ division offering additional educational support for affiliated homeschool families.

The EAL Department, led by Kathryn Lewis, is dedicated to supporting students as they acquire English across the curriculum. EAL works with subject teachers through co-teaching arrangements in selected Elementary and Middle School classes and runs separate EAL support classes from Elementary through High School, enabling learners to develop English while following content. Collaboration between EAL and content teachers, including co-teachers and EAL specialists, is a key feature of CAJ's approach to language support. EAL is described as a remediable learning difference, with EAL services overseen under the Support Team umbrella to guide appropriate interventions.

CAJ offers a Guidance Center providing study skills, career testing and guidance, college information, and academic support to promote student wellbeing. The guidance counselor provides limited, non-intensive personal counseling, with more serious concerns referred to outside resources. The Health Center is staffed by a full-time nurse who handles initial medical care and health information, contributing to students' overall wellbeing and safety. The Learning Resources Center provides personal support (advising, accountability, etc.) and academic assistance to help students manage stress and workload. CAJ's safeguarding policies further support mental wellbeing by ensuring safe, transparent responses to concerns and access to appropriate help.

CAJ's Child Protection Policy establishes guiding principles of visibility, accountability, and appropriate use and balance of power to ensure student safety. The policy requires that adults on campus act openly in interactions with students, with clear expectations for behavior and boundaries. It emphasizes accountability and transparency for all staff, coaches, and volunteers working with students. Staff, students, and families are encouraged to report concerns, and CAJ commits to listening and protecting students when needed. The policy also includes a Mandated Reporting Form to facilitate reporting of suspected abuse or safety concerns.