About the End of the Transitional Measures for the Free Provision of Fees for Unlicensed Childcare Facilities

Licensed non-public childcare facilities that are eligible for free early childhood education and childcare must meet the standards set by the national government (the Standards for Guidance and Supervision of Non-Public Childcare Facilities, hereinafter referred to as the "Standards") and must receive "confirmation" from the ward, city, or town as a facility eligible for free services.

However, for a period of five years from the start of the free-of-charge system (from October 1, 2019, to September 30, 2024), as a transitional measure, facilities that do not meet the standards are generally included in the free-of-charge program if they have submitted a notification to the prefecture and have received "confirmation" from the city or town.

Due to the end of the transitional measures (after October 1, 2024), if you are using a non-licensed childcare facility that does not meet the standards, please be aware that you will no longer be able to receive subsidies for free childcare (benefits for facility usage) after October 2024.

• Until September 30, 2024
  Facilities reported to the prefectures, etc., and "confirmed" by the wards, cities, and towns
• From October 1, 2024
  Facilities that have received a certificate confirming compliance with the standards for supervision and guidance of unauthorized childcare facilities, have notified the prefecture or equivalent authority, and have been "confirmed" by the ward, city, or town

• Note: 1 Users who wish to receive subsidies for free childcare (facility usage benefits) must obtain certification of the necessity for childcare (certification for facility usage benefits for parenting) from their local municipality.
• Note: 2 The employer-led childcare business is not eligible for facility usage benefits. Please check with the facility you are using for the necessary procedures to reduce usage fees.
• Note: 3 Please check the homepage of the ward or municipality where the facility is located to see if the facility has received "confirmation" from the ward or municipality.

Issuance of Certificate Confirming Compliance with Supervision Standards

• The status of the issuance of certificates confirming compliance with the standards for non-licensed childcare facilities can be checked on the website of the prefecture, designated city, or core city where the facility is located.
• Even if a certificate has not been issued currently, there is a possibility that it will be issued in the future if the criteria are met. For more details, please contact the facility you are attending.
• If you no longer meet the supervision and guidance standards and are requested to return the certificate, you will no longer be eligible for the subsidized facility. Therefore, please check regularly whether you are eligible for the subsidized facility.

Status of Issuance of Certificates Confirming Compliance with Supervision Standards

• Baby Hotel, Childcare Center within Business, In-Hospital Childcare Facility, List of Other Facilities(External Link)
• List of Home Visit Childcare Business Operators(External Link)