Applying for Nursery School (General Nursery School Information)

This page contains information about nursery schools and similar (see note) approved/certified by the City of Hiroshima, such as how to apply and how much they cost.

• Information regarding applications during/after April 2024 (Japanese)
• Details regarding how to apply for nursery schools, associated costs, etc., including details on applications for April 2024 (Japanese)

Note: For a list of applicable nursery schools and similar facilities, please see the List of Nursery Schools and Similar Facilities (as of November 11, 2023) file at the bottom of the page.

Those currently enrolled in nursery schools do NOT need to apply for the next fiscal year; enrollment will automatically continue.

Those with changes in the need for nursery school enrollment or who wish to change nursery schools should complete the necessary procedures.

Information regarding applications during/after April 2024

Application form posting period

• Begins November 24, 2023 (Fri)
• Where to find applications: Ward Office Welfare Divisions, Ward Branch Offices, nursery schools, etc.
• Forms will also be uploaded to the Download section below on this day.

Primary application period for April 2024

From November 24, 2023 (Fri) to January 10, 2024 (Wed)

Secondary application period for April 2024

Until February 26, 2024 (Mon)

Application periods from May 2024 onward

• Other application periods are listed on the Qualification/Enrollment Applications Schedule Table in (5).
• For information about the application process, please see our About the application process section.

General nursery school information

　 Table of contents

1. What are nursery schools and similar facilities?
2. Who can use nursery schools?
3. Qualification applications and childcare hours
4. About the application process
5. Contracts and payment of nursery school/meal fees
6. General information for using nursery school and similar facilities
7. When changes occur in the contents of your application form
8. About nursery school/meal fees
9. Directory　

1) What are nursery schools and similar facilities?

Nursery schools and similar facilities (see note) as referred to on this page mean the following facilities approved by the City of Hiroshima which care for children in the place of their parents/guardians who cannot look after them at home for any number of reasons. Nursery school fees are the same for every school; however, as lunch fees vary depending on the facility, we ask that you please contact them directly for details.

Note: For a list of applicable nursery schools and similar facilities, please see the List of Nursery Schools and Similar Facilities file at the bottom of the page.

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2) Who can use nursery schools?

Children aged under 12 months to pre-elementary school who live in Hiroshima City (must have a resident record; see Note 1) whose parents/guardians fulfil any of the following reasons for needing childcare and for whom it is difficult to look after their children at home (in cases in which child care is necessary) may use nursery school facilities.

Reasons for needing childcare

1. Those working 30 hours or more per month (employed, self-employed, etc.) (see Note 2)
2. Those pre-/post-childbirth
3. Those who are ill, injured, or have a physical/psychological disability
4. Those who have a family member who requires constant care
5. Those who are performing recovery work for earthquakes, wind/water damage, fires, and other natural disasters
6. Those seeking employment (see Note 3)
7. Those receiving an education
8. There is a risk of abuse or DV
9. Those who already have a child enrolled in childcare services when they applied for parental leave and require continued enrollment (see Note 4)

• Note 1: Even if you do not currently reside in Hiroshima City (do not have a resident record), you can still apply for nursery school enrollment if you are planning to move by the first day of school (once you have been approved for enrollment, you MUST have finished moving by the first day).
• Note 2: Beginning April 1, 2025, the minimum number of working hours will be 48 hours or more per month.
• Note 3: The period of childcare for those seeking employment is until the last day of the third month since the day that childcare services began. For those seeking employment after giving birth, if you intend to seek employment after the last day of the month during which eight weeks will have passed since giving birth, that period shall be treated as an extension of childcare services and you must complete the necessary procedures at the Ward Welfare Division of the ward which the nursery school belongs to.
• Note 4: The longest possible continued enrollment period during parental leave is until the last day of the fiscal year during which the day of the child’s first birthday occurs. However, if the child will be enrolled on the April 1 that follows the day before the child’s first birthday, then continued enrollment will be permitted only for those who are on parental leave until April 14.

Additional note

When parents/guardians return to employment after parental leave OR begin new employment, it is possible to use childcare services two weeks in advance of their work start date; please consult with the Ward Welfare Division of the ward which your desired nursery school belongs to.

Children with physical/psychological disabilities who are able to adjust to community settings such as nursery schools and other similar facilities may also enroll; please consult with your Ward Welfare Division.

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 3) Qualification Applications and childcare hours

To use nursery school (and similiar) services, you need both the Child Education/Care Services Qualification Application and Enrollment Application, both of which must be submitted at the same time as a general rule. Qualifications are categorized into three classifications depending on the situation of the parent/guardian vis-à-vis the necessity for childcare. The childcare facilities available to you differ depending on your classification (children in Class 2 or 3 can make use of nursery schools and other similar facilities.

Depending on your reason for requiring childcare, the amount of childcare you can receive (how many hours) is classified into the following two classes:

• Note 1: Even if you are classified as Standard Childcare Hours, you can ask to be classified as Shortened Childcare Hours. If either the mother or the father is classified as Shortened Childcare Hours, then that shall be your classification.
• Note 2: Households with children who are already enrolled in nursery schools and other similar facilities by the end of March 2015 and are continuing enrollment after April 2015 may request Standard Childcare Hours regardless of the conditions above.

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4) About the application process

(1) Admissions consultation and application forms​

• Consultations regarding enrollment and fees are held at the Ward Welfare Division of the nursery school (or a similar facility) you would like to enroll your child in.
• Be aware that Ward Division offices will be closed on weekends (excluding weekend reception), national holidays, August 6, and 12/29-1/3.
• As a general rule, before applying, you should visit the nursery school to confirm that, should you be accepted, you are able to commute there (what their conditions are, if pick-up/drop-off is possible, etc.). Please inquire at the nursery school/facility directly regarding school visits.
• The period of validity for submitted certificates such as Certificates of Employment is from the first day of the month three months before the submission deadline (e.g., if submitting for primary application period for April 2024, the submission deadline is January 10, 2024, which means that you would need a certificate dated from or after October 1, 2023).

Application forms

• The application form and other necessary documents (to be attached to the application form) are available at nursery schools and other similar facilities, as well as Ward Welfare Divisions and Ward Branch Offices.
• Application forms for FY 2024 can be downloaded from the Download section below starting Friday, November 24, 2023.
• Of the documents to be attached to the application form and other necessary documents, you can download the Certificate of Employment, Declaration of Employment Seeking from the Download section below.

　(2) Enrollment application

• Submit your application form and other necessary documents to the Ward Welfare Division of the nursery school you wish to enroll your child in.
• The submission deadlines can be found on the Qualification/Enrollment Applications Submission Period listed in (5).
• For information about regular and extended childcare hours, weekend/national holiday childcare, additional fees (e.g., fees that cover the costs which go above set funds, such as extra teachers who exceed fund standards or facility maintenance which exceeds the average costs), actual costs (e.g., uniform costs, field trip costs, school event participation costs, etc.), please inquire at each school directly.
• For online applications, please see Regarding Pittari Service (PDF) (Japanese). Please note that the deadlines for online applications via Pittari Service differs from the deadlines for in-person applications.
• If you are applying for admission in January, February, or March, please also submit the Confirmation of Intent Form (PDF).

(3) Qualifications

• The Director of the Ward Welfare Office will go through the child education/care services qualification applications and issue qualification certificates (will be issued before/at the same time as your Usage Adjustment results).

　(4) Usage Adjustment

• Looking at factors such as parent/guardian preferences and admissions capacity at nursery schools and other similar facilities, the Director of the Ward Welfare Office will conduct adjustments of school usage. Should there be more who would like to enroll than there are spaces, enrollment will be judged not on a first come, first serve basis, but on a basis of degree of childcare necessity. For more details, please see the Standards for Usage Adjustment Table in the Download section below. (Partially revised on November 24, 2023)
• Usage Adjustment results will be sent on the Usage Adjustment Results Mailing Day listed in (5).

(5) Qualification/Enrollment Applications and the Usage Adjustment mailing schedule

Submission deadlines vary depending on the month you wish to enroll.　　　　　

• Note 1: Reception hours are from 8:30 am to 5 pm; however, applications will be accepted in the evening/on weekends as follows:
      ・Evening Hours: December 19, 2023 (Tues), January 5, 2024 (Fri), until 8 pm
      ・Weekend Hours: December 10, 2023 (Sun)​ from 9:30 am to 4 pm
• Note 2: Those eligible to apply during the secondary application period are: those who have been put on enrollment waiting lists during the primary application period, those who could not apply in time for the primary application period, and those who did not apply during the primary application period only. (If you were able to get into the facility you applied for during the primary application period, you may not submit an application during the secondary application period.)
• Note 3: Application hours are from 8:30 am to 5 pm; however, applications will be accepted in the evening as follows:
      ・Evening Hours: February 21, 2024 (Wed) until 8 pm
• Note 4: Please note that the deadlines for online applications via Pittari Service differs from the deadlines for in-person applications. Click here (Japanese) for information regarding online application deadlines.

(6) Enrollment procedures and beginning enrollment

If, as a result of your Usage Adjustment, you will enroll in a facility other than a nursery school (public/private) or Certified Childcare Center (public), you must complete enrollment procedures at the facility. 

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5) Contracts and payment of nursery school/meal fees

With whom you sign contracts and to whom you pay nursery school/meal fees vary depending on the facility. However, nursery school fees will be determined based on standards set by the City regardless of facility.

For more information about nursery school/meal fees, see About nursery school/meal fees below.

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6) General information for using nursery schools and similar facilities 

 Days closed, opening hours, meal services, etc., will vary depending on facility.

　(1) Days closed, opening hours, and extended hours

• As a general rule, facilities will be closed on Sundays, days which the law has dictated to be national holidays, and 12/30-1/4. Other closures for emergencies such as natural disasters and epidemics will differ depending on facility.

• Opening hours vary depending on facility.
• Usage hours for those under Shortened Childcare Hours will be determined by each facility during regular hours.
• Facilities may offer extended childcare for the period before/after their regular hours.
• Please see the List of Nursery Schools and Similar Facilities (*) for more information.

*You can download this list or find them at your ward Welfare Division, branch office, nursery schools, etc.

(2) Meals (lunch and snacks)

• At nursery schools and Certified Childcare Centers, meals will be prepared at the facility based on a menu created by nutritionists (some Certified Childcare Centers receive meals from delivery services).
  Children 0-2: Lunch (side dishes and rice), snack
  Children 3 and above: Lunch (side dishes only; must bring rice or bread), snack
• Small Scale Childcare Centers, Office/Business Childcare Centers generally prepare meals on site; however, some receive meals from delivery services or may require children to bring lunch.
• For more details, please inquire at the facility directly.

　(3) Other important notes

• Drop-off/pick-up is the responsibility of the parent/guardian; nursery schools do not provide this service as a general rule.
• Should your child become ill or injured, we ask that you come pick up your child during nursery school hours.
• Should your child become ill with an infectious disease, we ask that you keep them at home to prevent the spread to other children.
• Nursery schools divide the children into classes as a general rule. Depending on enrollment, classes are subject to change even in the middle of the year.

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 7) When changes occur in the contents of your application form

• Should information on your Qualification Application (Enrollment Application) change due to taking parental leave, changing your job, or leaving your job, you must report it to your ward Welfare Division. When reporting a change, you may need to submit a notification of change and/or certificates or other paperwork depending on what information has changed.
• The period of childcare for those who will begin work (seeking employment) is until the last day of the third month since the day that childcare services began. Those who are enrolled for the reason that they will begin working must submit a Certificate of Employment (available in the Download section below) as soon as possible when they begin their job.

*We may call or visit to confirm employment status.

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8) About nursery school/meal fees

　　　For information, please see About nursery school/meal fees (Japanese).

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9) Directory (Ward Welfare Divisions)

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Further information (Japanese)

• About openings in nursery schools and similar facilities
• About nursery school/meal fees
• To the parents/guardians of children enrolled in nursery schools (regarding Certficates of Employment)
• About enrollment status at public/private nursery schools and other similar facilities
• Search engine for nursery schools which belong to the Hiroshima Prefecture Private Kindergarten Association (including Certified Childcare Centers)＜外部リンク＞ 
• Koko de Search (search engine for national education/childcare facilities nationwide)＜外部リンク＞
• Mynaportal Certification of Employment template maker＜外部リンク＞

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Downloads (Japanese)

• Guide to Nursery School Enrollment (PDF) [PDFファイル／648KB]
• List of Nursery Schools and Similar Facilities [PDFファイル／562KB]
• Application Form for FY2024 (PDF)
• Application Form for Extension of Childcare Services in FY2024 (PDF)
• Documents to Attach to the Application Form
• Enrollment Preferences for Siblings (PDF)
• Other Preferences for Enrollment (Excel)
• Preferred Nursery School(s) Attachment (PDF)
• Certificate of Employment (PDF) (see note)
• Certificate of Employment (Excel) (see note)
• FAQ Regarding Certificate of Employment (Excel)
• Declaration of Nursing Care(PDF)
• Declaration of Employment Seeking (PDF) [PDFファイル／118KB]
• Declaration Form (PDF)
• Notification of Individual Number (My Number) (PDF)
• Notification of Changes in Nursery School Application (PDF)
• Changes Regarding Enrollment for Jan-Apri 2024
• Notification of Leaving/Withdrawing from Nursery School (PDF)
• Notice of Enrollment Application Withdrawal (PDF)
• Standards for Usage Adjustment Table (PDF)
• Usage Adjustment Policies (PDF)
• Examples of Households (Priority Ranking and Adjustment Index) (PDF)

Note:

• The existing Certificate of Employment has been replaced by a new form with a standardized nationwide format, effective November 24, 2023. The existing form may still be used after November 24, 2023.
• To facilitate the transition, we have begun adopting the use of documents without the inkan (personal seal) field since October 1, 2022. As such, you may submit documents without adding your seal, even if the document includes an inkan field.
• In the event of forgery or alteration (unauthorized creation or alteration) of the submitted documents, your child may not be allowed to attend or continue attending the nursery school. In addition, we may contact either you or your workplace to confirm the contents of the employment certificate.

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Inquiries regarding this page

Child Care Supervisory Division, Children's Outlook Bureau
​1-6-34 Kokutaiji-machi, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Japan 730-8586
Tel: 082-504-2154 // Fax: 082-504-2254
Email: ko-sidou@city.hiroshima.lg.jp