Hiroshima

๐Ÿ‘ถ

Childcare and Family Support

Sections

1. Overview of Childcare and Family Support in Hiroshima

Hiroshima offers a robust system of childcare and family support services, which are part of Japanโ€™s national and municipal efforts to support families. These services include daycare centers, financial subsidies, parenting support programs, and healthcare benefits for children. The city also provides resources for international families, such as multilingual support and cultural integration programs.

2. Types of Childcare Services Available

Hiroshima has several types of childcare facilities and services to meet the needs of families:

A. Licensed Daycare Centers (Ninka Hoikuen)

  • Description: These are government-approved daycare centers that provide high-quality care for children aged 0 to 5 years.
  • Hours: Typically open from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM, with extended care options available.
  • Cost: Fees are income-based and vary depending on household income, the childโ€™s age, and the number of children in care. For example:
    • Low-income families may pay as little as ยฅ0โ€“ยฅ10,000 per month.
    • Higher-income families may pay up to ยฅ50,000 per month.
  • Meals: Meals and snacks are usually included in the fees.

B. Kindergartens (Yochien)

  • Description: These are educational facilities for children aged 3 to 5 years, focusing on early childhood education rather than full-day care.
  • Hours: Typically open from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with after-school care available for an additional fee.
  • Cost: Fees range from ยฅ20,000 to ยฅ50,000 per month, depending on the school.

C. Unlicensed Daycare Centers (Ninka Gai Hoikuen)

  • Description: These are private daycare centers that are not government-approved but still provide childcare services. They are often more flexible in terms of hours and age range.
  • Cost: Generally more expensive than licensed centers, with fees ranging from ยฅ50,000 to ยฅ100,000 per month.

D. Family Support Centers

  • Description: These centers connect parents with local caregivers who can provide short-term or emergency childcare.
  • Cost: Typically ยฅ500โ€“ยฅ800 per hour.

E. After-School Care (Gakudo Hoiku)

  • Description: For elementary school children, after-school care programs are available to support working parents.
  • Cost: Fees are usually ยฅ5,000โ€“ยฅ10,000 per month.

3. Family Support Benefits

Hiroshima offers several family support programs to ease the financial and logistical burden of raising children:

A. Child Allowance (Jido Teate)

  • Description: A monthly financial benefit provided to families with children under 15 years old.
  • Amount:
    • ยฅ15,000 per month for children under 3 years old.
    • ยฅ10,000 per month for children aged 3 to 12 (ยฅ15,000 for the third child and beyond).
    • ยฅ5,000 per month for children aged 12 to 15.
  • Eligibility: All residents with children, including foreign residents, are eligible.
  • Application: Apply at your local ward office (Kuyakusho) with proof of residency, income, and childโ€™s identification.

B. Free or Subsidized Medical Care for Children

  • Description: Hiroshima provides free or heavily subsidized healthcare for children up to high school age.
  • Coverage: Includes doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications.
  • Application: Register at your local ward office to receive a medical subsidy card (Iryohi Jukyusha Sho).

C. Maternity and Parental Leave Benefits

  • Description: Parents are entitled to paid leave during pregnancy and after childbirth.
  • Details:
    • Maternity leave: 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after childbirth.
    • Parental leave: Up to 1 year after childbirth, with an allowance of 50โ€“67% of your salary.
  • Eligibility: Must be employed and enrolled in Japanโ€™s social insurance system.

D. Hiroshima Parenting Support Centers

  • Description: These centers provide parenting advice, workshops, and play areas for children.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Languages: Some centers offer multilingual support for international families.

4. Application Procedures

To access childcare and family support services in Hiroshima, follow these steps:

Step 1: Register Your Residency

  • Visit your local ward office (Kuyakusho) within 14 days of moving to Hiroshima.
  • Bring your residence card (Zairyu Card), passport, and proof of address.

Step 2: Apply for Childcare Services

  • Licensed Daycare Centers: Applications are typically accepted twice a year (Octoberโ€“November for April enrollment and Mayโ€“June for October enrollment). Submit your application to the ward office or directly to the daycare center.
  • Documents Needed:
    • Proof of employment or enrollment in school (to demonstrate the need for childcare).
    • Income certificate (Shotoku Shomeisho).
    • Childโ€™s health records.

Step 3: Apply for Financial Benefits

  • Visit your ward office to apply for the Child Allowance and medical subsidies.
  • Bring:
    • Your residence card.
    • Bank account details for direct deposit.
    • Proof of income.

5. Cultural Considerations

  • Language Barrier: While many services are in Japanese, Hiroshima City offers multilingual support for foreign residents. The Hiroshima International Center and ward offices can provide interpretation services.
  • Community Involvement: Japanese childcare facilities often encourage parental participation in events and activities, such as sports days and cultural festivals.
  • Punctuality: Being on time for drop-offs, pick-ups, and meetings is highly valued in Japan.
  • Health Requirements: Children must have up-to-date vaccinations to enroll in daycare or kindergarten.

6. Resources for International Families

  • Hiroshima International Center (HIC):
    • Provides information and support for foreign residents, including childcare guidance.
    • Website: HIC Official Website
  • Hiroshima City Multilingual Living Information:
    • Offers guides in multiple languages about living in Hiroshima, including childcare and education.
    • Website: Hiroshima City Website
  • Parenting Groups:
    • Join local parenting groups or international communities to connect with other families.

7. Estimated Costs for a Family with One Child

| Service | Monthly Cost (Approx.) | |------------------------------|----------------------------| | Licensed Daycare | ยฅ10,000โ€“ยฅ50,000 | | Medical Care (Subsidized) | Free | | Child Allowance (Benefit) | +ยฅ10,000โ€“ยฅ15,000 | | After-School Care | ยฅ5,000โ€“ยฅ10,000 |

8. Final Tips

  • Start the application process early, as daycare spots can be competitive.
  • Familiarize yourself with your local ward office, as it will be your main point of contact for most services.
  • Take advantage of free parenting workshops and support groups to build a network in Hiroshima.

By understanding and utilizing these resources, you can ensure a smooth transition and a supportive environment for your family in Hiroshima.