The government started “free early childhood education and childcare” in 2019 as a measure to reduce the financial burden of raising and educating children and to combat the declining birthrate. Yokohama City is implementing free early childhood education and childcare for children aged 3 to 5 years old who attend kindergartens and certified childcare centers, as well as children aged 0 to 2 years old from households that are exempt from resident tax (see table).
In addition, daycare facilities for disabled children will be exempt from fees for children aged 3 to 5. This also applies when the facilities are used in conjunction with kindergartens, certified childcare centers, nurseries, etc.
In most cases, parents are not required to make a request, but it is necessary if they use unlicensed childcare facilities, temporary childcare services, or daycare services provided by kindergartens or certified childcare centers (excluding city-run daycare services).
(Inquiries) Yokohama City Free Service Hotline[Tel]045-840-6064
Classes for 3-year-olds
In Aoba Ward, an increasing number of kindergartens are opening classes for three-year-olds, which are below the younger classes. Once a child turns three, they can enter the class even during the school year and receive the same early childhood education as the younger classes. They are eligible for free early childhood education and childcare.
It takes time for children to get used to being away from their parents at nursery school, but why not take advantage of the pre-nursery school programs for 2-year-olds at each nursery school and use them to help them get a smooth start at nursery school? Check the website of each nursery school for information about classes for 3-year-olds.
