Free price for childcare nationwide More than 1600 kindergartens nationwide raise price to check if there is a piggyback Oct. 2 18:12

It turned out that at least 1,600 kindergartens nationwide decided to raise the usage fee before the free education for childcare and childcare started this month. The government will confirm through the local government that there may be a piggyback price increase that seeks to obtain a lot of subsidies.

The use fee of facilities that parents have paid for free of charge started from this month will be paid from the country as subsidies etc., but there is concern about raising the piggyback, raising the use fee for this subsidy, The country has cautioned against raising prices without improving quality last month.

NHK's interviews with local governments nationwide revealed whether or not the price of kindergartens was raised, and it was found that at least 43 prefectural 1612 kindergartens out of the approximately 4,000 kindergartens that responded decided to increase usage fees.

The price increases are 1105 gardens from April, 236 gardens from this month, and 225 gardens from April next year.

The reason for the price increase is that many kindergartens are trying to improve the treatment of staff and respond to tax increases.

The government confirms through the local government that there may be a piggyback price increase that seeks to obtain a lot of subsidies, and in the case of a price increase, it is instructed to explain carefully to parents and gain understanding .

Cases that appear to be raising piggyback prices have been confirmed one after another in non-authorized childcare facilities, and the country has just instructed the local government to provide guidance.

Expert "There are problems with system design"

Prof. Makiko Nakamuro, Keio University, who is familiar with children's policies, said, “There is no way for parents to check what the raised price is actually used for, and the poorly managed garden will take advantage of the gratification to raise the piggyback price. Even if some of the subsidies are profitable for the park, there are cases where the burden increases more than before, and the significance of the policy has diminished. Pointed out. "

On top of that, there is a problem with the system design that allows the garden to raise the price, and there is a problem with the system design that allows uncertain price increases. As long as a limited budget is allocated, it is a more effective method to assist the same child-rearing generation. Should be considered. "

Your opinion

In kindergartens and daycare centers across the country, not only usage fees, but also increases in admission fees, facility maintenance costs, side meals, etc. There is also.

NHK will continue to report on various movements toward free of charge. If you have any opinions or suggestions, please let us know.

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