Opinions and Responses

Regarding Subsidies for Unlicensed Childcare Centers and Babysitter Assistance

Next year, I am aiming to return to work after childcare leave and am searching for a Nursery School. Since my child will be entering a Childcare Center at age two, I believe it will be difficult to get admitted to a Nursery School within the city that is accessible for commuting, so I am considering unlicensed Childcare Centers outside the city but within commuting distance. However, subsidies for unlicensed Childcare Centers are limited to Tokyo’s certified Nursery Schools and company-led Nursery Schools, which restricts my options and causes concern. In areas along the Keio Line within commuting range, such as Chofu City and Setagaya Ward, facilities that meet Tokyo’s supervision standards are eligible for childcare fee subsidies. There may be no unlicensed Childcare Centers other than certified or company-led ones within Inagi City, but outside the city, there are many unlicensed Childcare Centers that do not fall into those two categories yet meet Tokyo’s supervision standards, thus expanding the options. Additionally, neighboring cities also offer babysitter fee subsidy programs, which seem to serve as a fallback when admission to a Nursery School is not possible. The response regarding the “Any Child Can Attend” system stated that priority should be given to resolving the issue of children on waiting lists, and I believe subsidies for unlicensed Childcare Centers are exactly the kind of initiative that supports this waiting list countermeasure. Including both licensed and unlicensed facilities, if I cannot secure admission to a Childcare Center within a range that allows me to continue working, I worry that I may not be able to return to work, so I am searching widely for childcare options every day. From other mothers I meet during Nursery School visits, while many are satisfied with the environment within the city, I sense that many express concerns about the difficulty of getting admitted to Nursery Schools and the more limited financial assistance programs compared to neighboring cities. Please develop an environment where the parenting generation can feel secure in balancing parenting and work.

Response

As part of the city's measures to address the issue of children on waiting lists, we are promoting flexibility such as utilizing existing facilities to allow admission beyond the capacity limits. Additionally, we will consider implementing cost subsidies related to babysitter use.

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