Family

2. Children’s Education

(1) Day-care Centers (Hoikuen)

Day-care centers provide day care for children so that parents who work, study or have other demanding obligations, can proceed with their daily routines reassured of their children’s safety. To apply, submit certificates of studentship or employment to the Ward Office. As the government subsidizes day-care centers, fees (from about 60,000 yen per month to a total fee exemption) depend on the income of the parents. Please note that your child will not be accepted if there are no vacancies.
For further information, contact the public welfare section of your ward office.

(2) Kindergartens (Youchien)

The objective of kindergartens is to encourage children the between the ages of 3 and 5 to develop their physical and mental aptitudes and to prepare them for elementary school.There are both public and private kindergartens. The Registration fee is 7,000 yen and the tution fee is 8,200 yen permonth for public kindergartens (2010 fiscal year). There is a fee exemption depending on the income of the parents. Tuition fees at private kindergartens vary, but are usually more expensive than is the case with public kindergartens. It is important to get information about application procedures early. For further information, contact the nearest kindergarten directly.

(3) Elementary Schools

Compulsory education in Japan comprises six years of elementary education and three years of junior high school. Provided that your child possesses an alien registration certificate, you will receive a school entrance notice from your local ward office when your child becomes 6 years of age. Tuition fees are not charged at public schools, but the cost of school lunch and study materials, about 5,000 yen per month, will be charged to the parents.Fee exemption is available, depending on the income of the parents.

(4) International Schools

In Nagoya, there are two international schools based on the US school curriculum.

Contact:
   Nagoya International School Tel.052-736-2025
   International Christian Academy of Nagoya Tel.0561-62-4196

3. Extension of Period of Stay and Employment as a ‘Dependent’

If holders of ‘Dependent’ (family residence) visa status wish to remain in Japan after the expiration of their initial period of stay, they must apply for an extension at the Nagoya Immigration Bureau before the designated expiration date. If ‘dependents’ wish to work on a part-time basis, they are required to apply in advance for permission to participate in ‘activities not included in visa status’ at the Nagoya Immigration Bureau. The maximum hours of work, where permission is granted, are 28 hours per week.

4. Parenting

Delivering a baby and bringing her/him up in a new environment is a challenging but fulfilling experience for the parents. There are many considerations, such as selecting a hospital, the financial burden, and child-raising method.

The cost of checkups during the pregnancy and that of the delivery are not covered by national health insurance, and you will need to pay around 400,000--500,000 yen for these services. After delivery, a Child Allowance Grant of 420,000 yen *(as of 2010) is paid through the national health insurance. However, if the parents apply, the grant can be given to the hospital beforehand as part of the delivery fee.

Having and raising children requires the cooperation of family members, neighbors and friends. It is very important to have a good network for mutual assistance.

* After delivery, where the relevant childbirth facility is a member of the Obsterical Treatment Compensation System, a child allowance grant of 420,000yen (FY 2010) is paid to parents through the national health insurance. In the event that the childbirth facility is not a member of the Compensation System, the sum of 390,000 yen will be paid.

Further information about child allowances and aid is available at the public welfare section of your ward office.
The City of Nagoya: http://www.city.nagoya.jp/en  (Allowances and Aid)