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[Operational Challenges for the 'Universal Childcare System' Starting in April]: 1 in 3 Municipalities Still Rely on Cash for Childcare Fees; Burdens on Parents and Staff Highlighted

NQ Score 56/100

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What percentage of municipalities in Japan still exclusively collect childcare fees in cash, according to the survey?
A: According to the survey conducted by BABY JOB Inc., 36.3% of the surveyed municipalities, which is 511 out of 1,406, still exclusively collect childcare fees in cash.
Q: What is the primary concern regarding the 'Universal Childcare System' and current cash-based fee collection methods?
A: The primary concern is that if cash collection remains the standard for the 'Universal Childcare System,' it may create significant burdens for parents in preparing small change and for childcare staff in managing cash and handling change.
Q: When is the 'Universal Childcare System' scheduled to be fully launched, and what is its purpose?
A: The 'Universal Childcare System' is scheduled to be fully launched in April 2026. Its purpose is to allow children not currently enrolled in daycare to use childcare facilities, similar to temporary childcare, for new experiences and learning, while reducing parental isolation and burden.
Q: What is the approximate hourly fee for using the 'Universal Childcare System'?
A: The 'Universal Childcare System' involves an approximate fee of 300 yen per hour for eligible children.
Q: What kind of regional disparity was observed in the survey regarding cash-based fee collection?
A: A significant regional disparity was found, with an approximately 13-fold difference in cash-only fee collection rates between Tokushima Prefecture, where 80.0% of municipalities rely on cash, and Tokyo, where only 5.9% do.