Opinions and Responses

Request for Expansion of Capacity and Improvement of Burden Reduction Measures for Certified Childcare Centers

[Summary of Proposal]
Expansion of the "Type 2 Certification" Capacity at Certified Childcare Centers and Increase in After-Hours Childcare Subsidies
Establishment of City-Exclusive Nursery and After-Hours Childcare Fee Subsidies for the Full 3-Year-Old Class (2-Year-Olds)

[Current Situation and Issues: The Reality of High Household Financial Burden]
Currently, I have my child attending Certified Childcare Center A Kindergarten, but due to the city's system barriers, I am subjected to a very heavy financial burden.

Burden on 2-year-olds (Full 3-year-old class):
There are no vacancies at the Nursery School, so we plan to use the full 3-year-old class at the same school, but since there is no subsidy, in addition to the childcare fee of 43,000 yen, the extended childcare fee is 25,400 yen (28,400 yen during long vacations). A monthly payment of nearly 70,000 yen is an extremely heavy burden even for dual-income households.
Continuation of Employment under Type 1 Certification:
Although employed, the number of Type 2 certification slots at the Nursery School is extremely limited, making it impossible to switch mid-year or even from the middle and senior classes. Remaining under Type 1 certification incurs additional expenses of 27,750 yen besides the nursery fee, plus an extended care fee of 21,400 yen. Even if the new Type 2 certification is approved, the subsidy amount is insufficient, resulting in a strong sense of unfairness compared to Type 2 certification.

[Specific Requests and Proposals]
Expansion of the Type 2 Quota and Enhancement of Subsidies:
We strongly urge the city to take the lead in expanding the Type 2 certification quota for certified child centers like Kindergarten A. Additionally, we request an increase in the subsidy unit price that reflects the actual situation for households that have no choice but to use extended childcare as Type 1 (new Type 2) certified.
City-Original Support for 2-Year-Olds (Pre-3-Year-Old Class):
Neighboring cities such as Chofu and Fuchu have subsidy systems for 2-year-olds before they turn 3. In Inagi City as well, please promptly implement equivalent burden reduction measures without abandoning families who, unable to enter Nursery Schools, choose certified nursery schools.

Response

Regarding the expansion of the capacity for Type 2 certification of education and childcare benefits for children, there are vacancies in the capacity for Type 2 certified children within the city. Additionally, according to the Inagi City Child Plan (March 2025), the capacity for Type 2 certification within the city and the First District (Yanokuchi, Higashi-Naganuma, Omaru, Momura, Oshitate) exceeds the required number. Therefore, at this time, there are no plans to expand the capacity for Type 2 certification within the city. Some licensed childcare centers within the city have vacancies for Type 2 certification (children aged 3 to 5), so please also consider using licensed childcare centers.
Currently, for those using after-school care under the Education and Childcare Benefits Category 1 certification at certified child centers, assistance is provided based on the necessity of childcare: 11,300 yen per month for children aged 3 to 5, and for children who have just turned 3, a monthly maximum of 16,300 yen or a daily rate of 450 yen multiplied by the number of days used, depending on the household's taxation status. The usage fees for after-school care are determined by each center and vary accordingly; to ensure there is no disparity in subsidy amounts depending on the center used, the city will continue to provide subsidies at a uniform rate going forward.
Furthermore, regarding 2-year-old children before the full 3-year-old class at certified child centers, since attendance is based on the Parent or Guardian's choice rather than city utilization coordination, there are currently no plans to provide subsidies for children enrolled as 2-year-olds before the full 3-year-old class.
Please understand that Certified Childcare Centers differ from Licensed Childcare Centers in that they operate integrally with Kindergartens, and therefore the childcare content and costs also differ.
We will continue to consider this matter while taking into account the situation of facilities within the city and social conditions.

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