What is “Gakudou” like? How Do You Use the Service?

“Gakudou” is an after-school child care for school-age children whose parents cannot be home during the day. Children are able to eat snacks, do their homework, and play. Below is some information about how to use this service.

Who is Qualified to Use “Gakudou”?

“Gakudou” is available for elementary-school-age children whose parents cannot be home because of work or some other reason. It is a place for these children to go to after school　and stay until their parents get home. It is officially called “after-school children’s healthy upbringing business”.

What Kinds of “Gakudou” are There?

There are two general types of “gakudou”: public ones run by the local government and private ones run by Non-profit organizations or business enterprises.

The public ones are also called “after-school children’s club”. Although available hours vary in each place, it mainly opens around 12 pm - 2 pm when children get out of school, and closes around 6 pm, but may be available until 7 pm depending on the situation. It is closed on Sundays, holidays, non-school days, as well as the end-of-year-and-new-year holidays (December 29th – January 3rd). “Gakudou” charge around 4,000 – 10,000 yen per month. The exemption system applies to public gakudou fees. Families on welfare, households with residential tax exemptions, and families receiving school expense subsidies will be exempted from the gakudou fee after making additional applications.

Privately owned “gakudou” do not have requirements about parents and are basically available for all children as long as there is an opening for the child’s age. The other requirements vary depending on the facility. Some of the private ones offer after-school activities (lessons) and/or private tutoring classes, in addition to offering child care. They are sometimes open untill 8 pm or 9 pm. Usage fees vary depending on the place, but usually the fee is around 50,000 yen per month.

Where is Public “Gakudou” Located?

Public “gakudou” is usually located on the school grounds or near the school. Contact the local government if you need to ask for the location.

What Grades are Public “Gakudou” Available for?

“Gakudou” is generally available for elementary school age children up to 6th grade. You may want to check with the local government as some prioritize the needs of lower grades (up to 3rd grade) and the “gakudou” may not be available for children in 4th grade or older.

Do Public “Gakudou” Provide Meals?

Public “gakudou” provide snacks on weekdays. Make sure to have your child take lunch on the days when there is no school lunch, as “gakudou” do not provide lunch. “Gakudou” do not provide lunch during long breaks including summer break and spring break. Make sure your child takes their own lunch if you send them to “gakudou” during these breaks.

Is Public “Gakudou” Available During Long Breaks?

Public “gakudou” are available during long breaks including summer and spring break. The hours during these breaks are generally between 8 am and 6 pm, with the exception of Sundays, holidays, and end-of-year-and-new-year holidays (December 29th through January 3rd) when they are closed.

How Do You Apply to Use a Public “Gakudou”?

There is an application acceptance period in December of the prior year, for those who plan to start using “gakudou” at the beginning of the coming school year. The public “gakudou” can only be used after application documents for use are submitted and acceptance is given. If you plan to use the service in May or later, the application documents need to be submitted no later than 2 months before you start using it. You cannot start using it immediately after submitting the application. The application must be submitted directly to the “gakudou” you wish to use.

“Gakudou” is a place where parents can feel comfortable leaving their child when they cannot be home during the day. We hope you can make the best use of it for your child, according to their age and desire.