Daycare (hoikuen/保育園): Daycare is aimed at parents who work or are unable to care for their children at home for some reason.
- Requirements: Parents or guardians must be working or away from home between 8:30 am and 4:00 pm.
- Age: Mostly from 2 months to 5 years.
- Procedures (registration): You must register at the nearest city hall and present the documents requested.
- Transport: There is no bus, parents must take and pick up the child.
- Lunch: Served by the Creche.
Kindergarten (youchien/幼稚園): It has no restrictions.
- Requirements: No restrictions.
- Age: From 3 to 5 years old.
- Public Registration: Must be done at the municipal education department (kyooiku inkai), generally in October. Monthly fees vary depending on the city.
- Private Registration: Go directly to the Kindergarten where you want, as private schools have their own registration dates and charge higher monthly fees.
- Transport: There are buses that take you and pick you up (although a transport fee may be charged).
- Lunch: A bento is usually prepared by the parents.
Benefits of daycare for babies and children
- Physical development
- Knowledge of the environment
- Development of intellectual abilities
- Develops socialization
- Develop communication
- Greater cognitive and academic development
- Promotes emotional development
- Prepare the child for school