The document outlines the history and current state of childcare in Japan. It traces the origins of kindergartens back to 1871 and daycare centers to 1890. Today, the formal childcare system includes kindergartens overseen by the Ministry of Education for children ages 3-5, and daycare centers overseen by the Ministry of Health and Welfare for children ages 0-5. Attendance in preschool education has increased over time and there is a trend toward more free public options. The underlying philosophy focuses on teaching children etiquette, independence, and confidence. Childcare workers require specific training and certificates.

2. 1. An overview of the country---LiLi Chen
2. History of the childcare system---Lei Zhang
3. Description of the type of childcare system
(formal, informal)---Yan Wen Shi
4. Availability & Accessibility (is it for
everyone, government funded or private)—Li
Yin
5. The underlying philosophy---XueLian Li
6. Training & Roles of the childcare workers---
Shanhong Zou

3. Kindergarten:
 From 1871 “kindergarten” concept introduced
 1876 First kindergarten born
 1926 The Kindergarten Ordinance enacted
 1947 Became the basic stage of school education
(ministry of education)
Day Care Centre:
 1890 First daycare center established
 From 1894 Daycare centers established within factories
 1908 Subsides provided
 1947 Became a child welfare facility
(ministry of Health and Welfare)

4. Formal:
Kindergartens
• Ministry of education
• Between 3&5 years old
• 5 hours/day
• Fixed tuition fee
Daycare Centers
• Ministry of health of welfare
• 0-5 years old
• 8 hours/day
• Flexible fee
Informal:
Unlicensed home care
Live in nanny

5. Attendance to Pre−school Education
1960s, 3-6yrs, 26.9%
1976, 2-6yrs, 23.5%
1981, 4-5yrs, 100%
Public Kindergarten & Daycare Center
Financial resources
Private Kindergarten & Daycare Center
Funding resources
Trend of Free Education
“Basic Plan for the Promotion of Education” (July
2008)
2013 +5% of attendance

6. 1. Etiquette-children learn
etiquette which is an important part
of Japanese culture.
2. Independence-children learn
independence through
participating in activities & play.
3. Confidence-children develop
their confidence by free to play,
explore and try new things.

7. Training:
Kindergarten
 Level 1 Certificate: 4 years education for university
graduates
 Level 2 Certificate: 2 years education for junior-college
graduates
Day care Center
 Level 2 Certificate: 2 years education for junior-college
graduates(Same as Kindergarten)
Educator’s roles
 Maintain health & safety policies and procedures
 Create a framework for good programs and Curriculums
 Partner with parent…