In order to use Hoikuen, Youchien, and Nintei Kodomoen, it is necessary to get “Admission Certification”(Shikyu Nintei).
Certification is classified in 3 categories and depending on classification, available facilities and admission procedure are different.
You need to know it because you don't want to miss application period since admission procedures are different among facilities and it can affect to fees you pay depending on the category you choose (if you have choices).
In this article, you will learn...
- 3 classification categories
- Available facilities
- Admission Procedure
- Points to Note
Especially "Points to Note" is not widely known, but beneficial to know for some people, so please read through!
Contents
3 Classificaton Categories for Hoikuen, Youchien, and Nintei Kodomoen
Here are 3 classification categories.
Category 1（Educational Regular Hour Certification)
Kids with age of 3 years and older (Except Category 2) fall into this category.
They are eligible to attend to Youchien or Nintei Kodomoen.
Category 2 (Daycare Certification）
Kids with age of 3 years and older who meets “Reason for Childcare Necessity” and needs childcare.
They are eligible to attend to Hoikuen and Nintei Kodomoen.
*Refer below article for “Reason for Childcare Necessity”
CHECK
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Differences: Daycare, Kindergarten, and "Certified center for early childhood education and care" in Japan
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Category 3 (Daycare Certification)
Kids with age under 3 years who meets “Reason for Childcare Necessity” and needs childcare.
They are eligible to attend to Hoikuen and Nintei Kodomoen.
For kids under 3 who don't fall in Category 3...
You may use Hoikuen on a regular basis (up to 8 hours per day, 2-3 times a week , up to 14 days per month, about 2,000 yen for a full day including lunch and snack. It may vary by municipality.) in order for you to refresh or when you have an appointment, etc.
This systme is called "Ichiji Azukari".
If you are interested in using this service, contact your local municipality or hoikuen.
*Not all hoikuen provide this service.
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Admission Procedure
Roughly speaking, they can be divided into two categories by admission-wise.
① Hoikuen and ② Youchien and Nintei Kodomoen
*Nintei Kodomoen I mention in this article is a type that added hoikuen functions on existing youchien.
For more details about Nintei Kodomoen, refer Differences: Daycare, Kindergarten, and "Certified center for early childhood education and care" in Japan.
Admission Procedure for Category 1
For Category 1, you will apply directly to Nintei Kodmomoen or Youchien of your choice.
You will then receive an informal offer from the institution. (In case of applicants exceeding the number available, there will be a selection process.)
The institution will then apply for addmission certification to the municipality, and a certificate will be issued by the municipality and you will get it through the institution.
Sign a contract with the institution that your child will attend there.
Admission Procedure for Category 2 and 3
You will apply for an admission certification to municipality, and if the reason for needing childcare is approved, you will receive a certificate.
You will then apply to the municipality for Hoikuen or Nintei Kodomoen.
You may wait until the hoikuen of your choice becomes available, or you may apply for up to five hoikuen of your choice.
After considering your requests, the condition of hoikuenl, and your needs for childcare, municipality will select a hoikuen that your child can attend.
If you agree with the municipality's pick, you will sign a contracr with hoikuen.
Time for admission
School and fiscal year starts in April in Japan, so application process starts for a new school year in fall for both hoikuen and youchien.
Hoikuen, Nintei Kodomoen
Here is an example in Sasebo city; however, it is not that differe in other cities as well.
*You are required to visit hoikuen prior to applying.
First round of selection: Novermber 1st - November 30th
Second round of selection: December 1st - December 28th
*If you still haven't gotten a spot for your child, the municipality will contact you each month until you can get a spot.
Youchien, Nintei Kodomoen
Application will be accepted from November 1st.
They will accept new students until spots are filled.
Entering hoikuen, youchien, or nintei kodomoen in a middle of a school year
Your child will be accepted in any institutions in a middle of a school year if there is a spot still available.
Contact to the municipality if you think your child falls in category 2 or 3 and youchien or Nintei Kodomoen of your choice if your child falls in category 1.
Points to Note
One of a big differences between Category 1 and Category 2 that people don't know is that qualification for 2nd child to be waved for fees for school lunch (4,500 yen per month) is different.
In case of Sasebo-city
- Category 1 - 1st Child is at or under 3rd grade
- Category 2 - 1st Child is in hoikuen, youchien, or nintei kodomoen
Another big difference is when your child reached to 3 years old... (Moving from Category 3 to Category 1 or 2)
- Category 1- on the day of your child turned 3.
- Category 2 - from a new school year (April) after your child turned 3.
For Category 1 &2, it is tuition free.
After school (14:00-) fees will be required for kids who moved category 3 to 1 until a new school year.
point
The fee for using childcare service after school vary by youchien, but will be reimbursed for amount over 11,300 yen per month, and over 450 yen per day.
After school fee for children over 3 year old class will be free if you get certified by municipaliyt that you need a childcare.
*This is written by refering to Sasebo-city website, but please make sure for this with the institution of your choice.
Depending on your working hours and family structure, choosing category 1 over category 2 could save money!!
For details, please ask at youchien or nintei kodomoen.