When we investigated the capacity of 0-year-old children among the licensed daycare centers in the 23 wards of Tokyo, where the problem of waiting-list children was serious, we found that as of April, more than half of the facilities had less than the capacity. I did.

NHK interviewed the capacity of 0 to 2 year olds in the 23 wards of Tokyo as of April 1st.



As a result, it was found that out of 2526 facilities that accept 0-year-old children, 1351 facilities did not meet the capacity, or 53% of the facilities.



In addition, 31% of 3055 facilities for 1-year-olds and 40% of 3057 facilities for 2-year-olds did not meet capacity.



When asked about the reasons for the lack of capacity with multiple answers, the most common answer was


▽ "The number of new gardens increased due to the problem of waiting-list children"


▽ "Decrease in the number of births"


▽ "Restriction of use due to the influence of the corona disaster" was.



In Tokyo, the number of waiting-list children reached a peak of 8672 in 2014, which has become a serious social problem.

Mika Ikemoto, senior researcher at the Japan Research Institute, who is familiar with childcare issues, said, "Even in local governments where waiting-list children were serious, I am surprised by sudden changes such as vacancy for younger children. It has the advantage of being able to provide childcare with plenty of time, but it also has the side of making management difficult. With the declining birthrate, it may be time to consider revising the system, such as facility capacity standards. Isn't it? "

Childcare facilities with less than capacity

It is a licensed childcare facility in Taito-ku, Tokyo.



Two years ago, the number of children enrolled in the 0-year-old class was 40, which was full.



However, at present, the number of people admitted to the park is 28, which is significantly less than the capacity.



Such a situation has the advantage that it is easy for parents to leave their children, but the facility side says that if this situation continues, it may hinder management.



Mr. Endo said, "Now there are few children and there is plenty of room for nursery teachers. This is an unusual situation."