ULTIMATE GUIDE TO TYPES OF CHILDCARE IN JAPAN
August 04, 2021In my previous edition, I focused on the more mainstream types of childcare available for children 0-2 years of age. This edition focuses on other, temporary, childcare alternatives, such as when you're child is sick but you still need to work, or you just need a few hours to run errands.
As first time parents with absolutely zero help from family and friends, it was so important we find additional childcare, so I've done a lot of research to compile this list for you all, and I hope it will be helpful! Please share additional resources, reviews, and questions in the comment section below!
---------------------------------
乳幼児一時預かり事業 | Temporary Childcare Daycare
Facilities that offer temporary childcare will take your child under instances where guardians need to run errands, need a few hours to themselves, suddenly started working, etc. This service can be used up to 120 hours a month, and facilities accept children from 57 days after birth to preschool age. The cost is 300 yen or less an hour, but it varies between facilities. Contact each facility directly if you're interested!
休日保育・休日の一時保育のご案内 | Holiday Childcare
Holiday childcare is offered for children that are already enrolled in some form of daycare, and for some reason need to be cared for on a holiday. There are three acceptable situations: guardians need to work/attend school/training, guardians who have fallen ill/are hospitalized/need to attend a ceremony, and guardians who cannot watch their child due to physical/psychological burden. Apply directly to the facility.
病児保育事業 | Childcare For Sick Children
The facilities are affiliated and attached to clinics and hospitals. Sick children (except those with measles or other serious contagious diseases) are taken care of by nurses and nursery school teachers. These facilities can accept children who are sick or have parents who are undergoing childbirth, had an accident, or other unavoidable circumstances. You must apply directly to the facility and your family doctor needs to fill out a form each time you want to use the facility. In our personal experience, we have tried to use it but some are not open on weekends and they also prioritize more sickly children over those with mild symptoms. So, for example, children with full blown RSV were prioritize over my daughter who was nearly healed from RSV but still couldn't attend school. This was to also prevent the reinfection of some illnesses. Can be used from 6mo-6th grade.
病後児保育事業 | Childcare for Children Recovering from an Illness
Similar to the above, this facility is used in collaboration with a clinic and children are taken care of by specialized staff, such as nurses. Children who are recovering from an illness and are not hospitalized but still need rest. There are only four of the facilities in Yokohama, with a capacity of four kids. Can be used from 6mo to 6th grade.
24時間型緊急一時保育について | 24-Hour Emergency Childcare Service
If there is a sudden emergency, such as a guardian falling ill or needing to go to work, these facilities can take your child anytime of the day. They are available 24 hours, 365 days of the year and can have your child over night. There are only two facilities in Yokohama, and it is up to the discretion of the facility as to who they accept. Can be used from 6mo to preschool age.
横浜子育てサポートシステム | Yokohama Child-rearing Support System
This is a kind of baby-sitter service where you apply through the ward office and they match you with local residents who are willing to watch your child at their home. Some of the "baby-sitters" are able to escort the child to and from activities/school. My husband and I have used this service and we are pretty satisfied with it. I'll write a blog entry on our experience soon!
UNOFFICIAL CHILDCARE
If you need more flexibility, there is a group on Facebook called Tokyo Helpers Connect and a website called CareFinder that has listings of available baby sitters. Please note, I have not used these services, and have zero affiliation with them!
0 comments