5th grade
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Many Japanese elementary schools include swim lessons in their physical education class. Some schools use a pool at the school, while the others use a pool in their neighborhood. The purpose of swim lessons is to help children get used to water and learn to swim. What kind of preparation is needed for swim lessons?
Swim Lesson Season
While swim lesson season varies depending on where you live, many schools have it from mid June through September. Some warm areas may start earlier, in May. The schools that use indoor pools may also have different swim lesson seasons.
How Frequent Are The Lessons?
Many schools use two consecutive class periods for one swim lesson, and there are normally 4 or 5 lessons during a season. Swim lessons may be cancelled because of the weather or temperature.
Does Everyone Have To Participate In The Lesson?
Schools check whether or not your child intends to attend the swim lessons. Make sure to communicate to your child’s school any reason that your child cannot attend the swim lessons, including reasons considering their health or religious practices.
What Do You Need To Prepare For Swim Lessons?
Students need to bring their own swimwear, swim caps, goggles, and towels to take swim lessons. Some schools may have specific design requirements on swimwear or name tags. Make sure to read the handout from school when they check your child’s attendance for the swim lessons.
Make preparations ahead of time so that your child can take swim lessons safely and enjoy it. -
The term “Child Support” refers to the money paid by the noncustodial parent to the custodial parent for the purpose of a parental contribution to the expenses of raising their child/children including child’s educational cost, if parents are divorced. This money is necessary for their child’s financial and social independence. Parents have an obligation to support their dependent child/children even if they are divorced.
Actual State Of Child Support Payment
Unfortunately, in Japan, less than 50% of single parents with custody are receiving the child support money. The following are the common reasons for that; written agreement was not made at the time of divorce, contact with the other parent was lost, and it takes time to collect child support money. For these reasons, there are many single parent households that are suffering economic hardships.
Support From Local Governments
In recent years, local governments started efforts to help receive child support money. Those who are about to get divorced and those who are already divorced but have not made agreements for child support are eligible for this local government support. Eligible persons are able to ask the government office for advice on how to make agreements on child support payment, and to receive the financial aid to pay the cost of making arrangements or securing the child support money, including notarization cost, child support guarantee contract initial guarantee fee.
Support List
The local governments that are providing this support are listed below:The local governments that are providing this support are listed below:
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Each Japanese local government has a consultation service available for single parents. Those who are going to get divorced and become single parents are eligible to receive this service in addition to those who are already single parents. Specialists called “single parent household consultants” are available to give you advice at the government’s consultation service counter.
Contents Of Consultation
You can talk about anything to the consultant at the consultation service counter, including your daily life, work, raising children and their education. Some governments provide support for child support payment. Do not hesitate to talk about anything that you feel concerned or anxious about, even if it may seem insignificant.
Various Way To Use The Consultation Service
Many local governments offer this consultation service by phone, email, and online, in addition to in-person consultation at the office. Some governments also offer home-visiting consultation services if you are having difficulty visiting the office because of your child’s age or any other circumstances. Consider using this service if you are not able to visit the office but would like to have an in-person consultation. Check with the government office in your area for availability.
Cost and Reservations for The Consultation Service
All local governments offer free consultation services. To make a reservation, look for the information regarding single parent support under parenting-related information on the government’s website. The reservations are usually available by phone or email.
Single parents sometimes have no one to talk to and struggle. Consider using this government service to take some weight off your shoulders.
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In Japan, there is government support for single parents. The term “single parent” refers to a parent raising a child or children alone due to divorce or bereavement. Single parents and their children can receive various types of support from their local government, including medical care assistance, financial support, housing support, career-related support, and support for finding a place for children to be.
Steps To Take If You Become A Single Parent
When you become a single parent, visit the childcare support desk at your local government office to go through necessary procedures. Ask at the general counter at the government office if you are not sure where the childcare support desk is. Procedures for Childcare Allowance and Medical Expense Subsidies for Single Parent Households can be performed at the childcare support desk and documents required for each procedure are as follows:
There is more support available for single parent households, such as reduction and exemption of national health insurance premium, JR commuter pass special discount, reduction of income tax and resident tax, reduction and exemption of water and sewage charges. Go through the procedures as needed.
Various Types of Support For Single Parents
-Allowances
Until your child turns 15, you can receive Child Allowance in addition to Childcare Allowance and Medical Expenses Subsidies for Single Parent Households. If your child has a disability, additional support is also available, including Special Childcare Allowance, Child Fostering Allowance (Disability Allowance), Independence Support Medical Care Aid (Developmental Medical Care Aid), and Pediatric Psychiatric Medical Care Subsidy.
-Financial Support
Single parent deduction and widow deduction systems can lessen your tax burden. There are also financial aids and systems to help you reduce childcare related expenses for preschool aged children. In addition, JR commuter pass special discount, exemption of basic water charges, and exemption of oversized garbage collection fee are available.
Regarding child education, the following financial support is available: School Attendance Financial Aid System to help you reduce school expenses, Mother and Child Welfare Fund/Father and Child Welfare Fund which is a loan system for school expenses, and Scholarship Support System for higher education.
-Housing Support
Mother and Child Life Support Facilities are available for single mothers needing housing immediately after becoming a single parent. Other support includes Preferential Lottery System for Public Housing and/or Rent Discount System.
>-Childcare Support
Usage Fee Reduction Systems are available for nursery schools, after-school childcare, family support service by local government, and short stays at a child support facility.
-Employment Support
Financial aid and loans are available for single parents studying to obtain a national qualification or a professional qualification.
As support systems vary depending on the local government, you may want to check with the municipal office where you live to see what kind of support is available.
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In Japan, each local government has a Children’s Medical Expenses Subsidy System, which helps reduce medical expenses for children up to a certain age. When your child goes to the hospital, showing the medical certificate provided by the local government can help you reduce the medical costs. Below is more information about this subsidy system including how to obtain the medical certificate.
What Is The Children’s Medical Expenses Subsidy System?
The purpose of the Children’s Medical Expenses Subsidy System is to create an environment where it is easier to have children, by reducing the financial burden on the families. Most local governments offer “Infants’ Medical Expenses Subsidy (a.k.a. Maru-nyu)” which applies to infants, and “School-aged Children’s Medical Expenses Subsidy (a.k.a. Maru-ko)” which applies to children enrolled in elementary school and junior high school. Some governments also offer “High School Age Children’s Medical Expenses Subsidy (a.k.a. Maru-a-o)” which applies to high school age children.
Who Is Eligible For The Children’s Medical Expenses Subsidy System?
This subsidy system applies to families that have a resident registration with the local government and have public health insurance. The parent who is the main source of household income is eligible to receive the aid. The income limit for eligibility to receive the aid varies depending on the area.
How Much Can The Medical Expenses Be Reduced?
Reduction rates vary depending on the area. While medical expenses can become free in some areas, it may be only partially covered in other areas. Note that there are some expenses not covered by the subsidy system, including meal expenses during hospitalization, vaccination fees, and health examination costs. Check with your local government about copayment.
What Are The Necessary Procedures To Apply For The Children’s Medical Expenses Subsidy?
Application documents need to be submitted at the local government office in order to apply for the Children’s Medical Expenses Subsidy. The child’s public health insurance card and the parent’s identification document (such as my number card, driver’s license, or passport) are required when submitting the application document. Infant medical certificates are valid until March 31st after the child turns 6 years old. The school-aged child medical certificate will replace the infant medical certificate starting April 1st. There is no need to apply for a replacement as the government will send you the school-aged child medical certificate at the end of March if applicable.
Children see doctors often and the medical costs can get high. Parents eligible for this subsidy system are encouraged to apply to receive the aid.
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Each local government offers different types of support for those who have evacuated from Ukraine.
Website Where You Can Search For Available Relief Supplies and Services
Those who have evacuated from Ukraine can receive necessary relief supplies and services through the Immigration Services Agency website shown below. You will also find information regarding working conditions and the certificate of refugee status on this website.
Tokyo Helpdesk For Evacuees From Ukraine
Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation “Tsunagari” offers “One-Stop Consultation Desk for Evacuees from Ukraine”. This service provides the necessary information and detailed consultation for the people who evacuated from Ukraine, so that they can live in Tokyo feeling secure.
Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation “Tsunagari”; One-Stop Consultation Desk for Evacuees from Ukraine
Phone: 03-6258-1227
Support Provided By Local Governments
Some local governments provide one-time financial assistance for living expenses. This applies to families whose head of the household is certified as an evacuee from Ukraine, and plan to live in the community for at least a month. If approved, the household will receive 100,000 yen through a bank transfer or by cash. Note that this is a one-time financial assistance. Other support by local governments can include free hair cut services by reserving in advance. Content of the support varies depending on the government, so check with the local government for the available support services in the area you live in or plan to live in in the future.
School Attendance And Japanese Language Education Support For Evacuees
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) offers information and consultation services for evacuees to Japan, regarding both school attendance and Japanese Language Education. Available languages for these support services are Easy Japanese and English.
MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology) Help Desk:
Phone: 0120-082-434 extension 4751 (phone rate applies)
IP Phone (from overseas): +8-3-5253-4111 (Weekdays - 9:30 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.)
E-mail: ukraine-helpdesk@mext.go.jp
Click the following link for more information regarding education in Japan
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology "Support for evacuees from Ukraine
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Japanese elementary school children go to school on their own. Although they may walk to and from school in a group at the beginning of the school year, the rest of the time they are basically on their own commuting to and from school. Personal safety alarms are to protect children on the way to and from school.
What Are Personal Safety Alarms Like?
Personal safety alarms make a loud noise when a pull pin is removed or a button is pressed. Children can draw others’ attention by triggering their personal safety alarms, even if they cannot call out for help when they sense danger. It can also scare a suspicious person when they feel unsafe. Personal safety alarms are recommended to be kept where they can easily be accessed by children, such as the belt of their randoseru (school backpack).
Where Can You Purchase Personal Safety Alarms?
Personal Safety Alarms are available at stores which handle children’s school supplies, such as stationery stores, home improvement stores, department stores, shopping malls, and online stores. An important point when choosing a personal safety alarm is the volume. The louder the volume, the better. As the way to produce sound also varies depending on the device, you may want to talk about it with your child, so you can choose the one that is easy for them to use. Choosing one that it is hard to stop the sound on will prevent the suspicious person from stopping the alarm. Children should be taught how to stop the sound as they may accidentally trigger the alarm.
Some Local Government Distribute Personal Safety Alarms For Free
Some local governments distribute personal safety alarms to children in the community for free. It often happens when children enter elementary school as first graders. Parents are responsible to replace it if their child’s safety alarm is broken or lost. Please check with your local government office to see if it is distributed for free or not, as the situation varies depending on the community.
Although some communities have neighborhood volunteers to watch children walking to and from school, it is very important to teach your child the way to protect themselves when it is necessary. Consider personal safety alarms as a way for your child to protect themselves.
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Students from households with difficulties paying for school expenses are eligible to apply for “School Attendance Financial Aid System”, which helps them pay for school supplies and lunch fees. It is also known as “Financial Aid for School Expenses”. Education is compulsory for all children for all six years of elementary school and all three years of junior high school in Japan, and public school tuition fees and text book fees for this period are free. If it is difficult for families to pay for other school expenses, parents can apply for financial aid to the national and/or local government.
Who is Eligible for the School Attendance Financial Aid System?
Families with elementary and/or junior high school students that meet at least one of the following conditions are eligible for School Attendance Financial Aid.
1. Receiving public income support
2. Public income support was suspended or ended during the previous school year
3. Receiving childcare allowance (single-parent households, etc.). Note: childcare allowance is different from child allowance or child rearing allowance
4. Total household income for 2022 is considered below standard. Note: In this case, municipal tax declaration at the local municipal office taxation department is required.
What Kind of Expenses Qualify for School Attendance Financial Aid?
Japanese school expenses are around 10,000 yen per month. The following expenses qualify for the School Attendance Financial Aid:
School supplies/physical education gear/new student’s school supplies/commuting goods/commuting expenses/school trip expenses/extracurricular activity expenses/medical expenses/school lunch fees/club activity expenses/student council fee/PTA membership fee/graduation album fee/online education communication expenses. Check with your local government as applicable expenses may vary depending on the government.
How Do You Receive the School Attendance Financial Aid?
Application forms for School Attendance Financial Aid are handed out at school in April every year. Applicants need to fill in the form and submit it to the school office or the school affairs section of the school board. The application filling deadline is around the end of April. After the application evaluation is completed, “authorization result notification” will be sent by postal mail around July. If certified, the aid money will be transferred to your bank account that was specified on your application form.
When Will the Aid Money be Paid?
Although the timing of the aid money transfer varies in different areas, it is often paid three times a year, at the end of each school term. The timing will be at the end of July, end of December, and end of March. As it may be paid twice a year in some areas, make sure to confirm the timing with your local government.
Because there are many handouts from school in April, make sure to check them so that you can receive applicable financial aid needed for your child’s school attendance.
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“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.
Public “Gakudou”
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”
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.
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The Japanese school year starts in April, after spring break, which starts at the end of March and lasts through early April. An entrance ceremony will be held for first grade students, but students who are in 2nd grade or older will attend an opening ceremony on the first day of school.
What Will Students Do on the First Day of School?
The first day of the school year normally ends after a half day. Please note that there is no school lunch on the first day. If there is a class change happening for your child’s grade, they will know their new class placements on the first day. There will be some informational talk given by a new homeroom teacher and new textbooks will be distributed. Students are expected to bring new textbooks and supplies home and put their name on each item.
What Needs to be Prepared for the New School Year?
Japanese elementary schools assign each student a number in class. Make sure to confirm the class and student number for your child, as these numbers are often required on paperwork you need to submit to school, or for personal verification. There will be handouts from school to check family situations and health conditions of the students. These are important documents that parents need to fill out and submit to school. Contact the school’s office if you have any questions about how to fill in these documents, and make sure to submit them.
Is There Anything Parents Need to Do for the New School Year?
There is a parent-teacher conference in April, where some information is given by your child’s homeroom teacher. It is also an opportunity for parents to meet each other. In addition, PTA role assignments happen at the conference. You may be assigned a role even if you are absent from the conference. Make sure to write your situation on the handout given prior to the conference if it will be difficult for you to play a role. It is recommended to attend the conference as meeting other parents in your child’s new class will help you communicate smoothly with other families, as well as understand what is happening at school.
The beginning of the school year is a busy period for parents, since they have to put their child’s name on each school supplies, and prepare all the paperwork to submit to school. Students may feel nervous about meeting new classmates, or the schoolwork becoming more difficult. It may be a good idea to try not to schedule too much for both yourself and your child at the beginning of the school year, so that you have time to spare and room to breathe.