children's school

Childcare Center

Master the Japanese you need for Childcare Center in natural keigo. Scene-by-scene flow · NG examples · politeness levels · 9-language parallel translations

Synergia Editorial Team

This page helps foreign residents and long-term visitors handle "Childcare Center" with daily Japanese phrases for living in Japan, practical examples, and common mistakes to avoid.

What this page helps you say in Japan

This page focuses on Childcare Center and teaches useful Japanese phrases for daily life in Japan, including natural replies, polite alternatives, and practical wording for foreigners living in Japan.

What You'll Learn on This Page

Practice Phrases (10 Total)

保育園の申込をしたいのですが、どこですればよいですか

ほいくえんのもうしこみをしたいのですが、どこですればよいですか

Where can I apply for daycare?

POINTThe child care support section of the government office is the point of contact.

必要書類を教えてください

ひつようしょるいをおしえてください

Please tell me the required documents.

POINTEmployment certificate, taxation certificate, application form, etc.

就労証明書の様式をいただけますか

しゅうろうしょうめいしょのようしきをいただけますか

Could I have the employment certificate form?

POINTAsk your place of work to fill it out

希望の園を何園書けますか

きぼうのえんをなんえんかけますか

How many preferred schools can I list?

POINTUsually up to 5 to 10 gardens

保活の点数はどう計算されますか

ほかつのてんすうはどうけいさんされますか

How are the 'katsu' points calculated?

POINTAdditional points for parents working/family situation

待機児童になった場合はどうすればよいですか

たいきじどうになったばあいはどうすればよいですか

What if we're waitlisted?

POINTOptions such as unlicensed, small-scale, company-led, etc.

園の見学は可能ですか

えんのけんがくはかのうですか

Can I visit the daycare?

POINTMany tours are open year-round; reservations must be made in advance.

外国籍でも入れますか

がいこくせきでもはいれますか

Can foreign nationals enroll?

POINTNationality is not a selection criterion

慣らし保育は何日くらい必要ですか

ならしほいくはなんにちくらいひつようですか

How long is the adjustment period?

POINTUsually 1 to 2 weeks, calculated backwards from the date of return to work

保育料はいくらになりますか

ほいくりょうはいくらになりますか

How much will daycare cost?

POINTDetermined by annual household income, 0 years old: 5,000 to 70,000 per month

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the difference between licensed, non-licensed, and certified child care centers?
A. Approval meets national standards, childcare fees are determined by local governments, and there are many children on waiting lists. Unlicensed facilities are privately operated and are expensive, but easy to get into. Certified nursery school is a hybrid type that combines the functions of nursery school and kindergarten.
Q. The point of childcare is
A. ① Move early (gather information during pregnancy) ② Visit multiple kindergartens ③ Write down your desired ranking broadly ④ Add points for parents working full-time and siblings attending the kindergarten ⑤ Ensure a break-in period for children entering the nursery after childcare leave.
Q. The timing of application is
A. For admission in April, the first round of recruitment was from October to November of the previous year, and the second round was in January. During the year, there are many deadlines on the 15th of each month. In areas where there are many children on waiting lists, some people prepare to apply even before giving birth.
Q. Childcare fees are
A. Children aged 3 to 5 will be free of charge starting in 2019 (side meal costs are separate). For ages 0 to 2 years old, the amount is determined by annual household income, which is approximately 0 to 70,000 yen per month. Sibling discount and resident tax exemption available.
Q. Points to note specific to foreigners
A. Documents must be filled out in Japanese. Some local governments have multilingual interpreters. Employment certification will be discussed separately in the case of overseas companies. Your status of residence and period of stay will be checked, and you may not be able to enter for a short stay.