| Daily Life in Aizu |
|
|
Areas of the website of specific interest to parents might be:
 |
|
| A baby health day is held once a month at the Hoken Centre in Shiromae. The exact dates are published in the City English information bulletin, Shisei Dayori. Nurses will take your baby's body measurements, public health nurses will give a talk on raising children, and a nutritionist will provide information regarding baby nutrition. There will also be a children's play area set up for kids who have trouble sitting still. Please remember to bring your Boshi Kenko Techo (Mother and Child Health Handbook). If you wish to have an interpreter (English - Japanese) present, please call the International Relations Section of City Hall (0242) 39-1202 or the International Association (0242) 27-3703 several days in advance. For further information, please call the Kenko Zoshin-Ka, Hoken Shido-Gakari at (0242) 39-1246. If you drive to the Hoken Centre, please follow the parking attendant’s instructions on where to park, because the parking at the Hoken Center is very limited. (Information from Shisei Dayori) |
|
| Birth Registration | |
When a child is born in Japan you are required to register the birth. 1. Person Responsible: Parent, legal guardian, doctor or midwife. The necessary documents are:
As a rule, the report of the birth should be written in Japanese. If the certificate is written in a foreign language, a Japanese translation should accompany the documents. The following registration is also necessary for newborn children:
Children born in Japan can acquire Japanese citizenship if either parent is a Japanese citizen. |
|
| Child Allowance (Jido Te-ate) | |
The City of Aizu Wakamatsu gives special allowances to families with pre-school children. The allowances stop when your child enters elementary school. After registering the birth of the child or changing your address to Aizu Wakamatsu, you can sign up for the allowance called Jido Te-ate at the City hall. You cannot receive back payments on months that you were eligable for. You will receive 5,000 yen per child for the first two cildren, and 10,000 yen for the third child on. There are some income restrictions pertaining to this allowance, so please contact the Jidokateika Jido Katei Group (0242) 39-1243. (Information from Shisei Dayori) |
|
| Childrens Clubs (Kodomo Clubs) | |
Children's clubs (Kodomo Clubs) are for elementary school students (in the first to third grade) who's parents are not home when they finish school because of work, etc. At present there are 16 Children’s Clubs in the city. During school time they can be used after school until 6pm. On Saturdays and during the school holidays, they can be used from 8:30am. (From April 2006, it is planned to allow Children’s Clubs to be used from 8am during the school holidays). The monthly costs are 3000yen. Since it is necessary to register ahead of time, please apply directly to the Kodomo Club. (The Kodomo Clubs in the Kawahigashi area have different rules according to the grades of the children, costs, opening times etc, so please enquire directly). To register for Kodomo Club, please call and come to visit with your children. Fill out an application form to the Club you want to attend. Bring along your Health Insurance Card, Bankbook and Hanko. For more information please call the Aizu Wakamatsu City Hall Jidokatei-ka, Jido Katei Shien Group at 0242-39-1243. |
|
| Childcare Nursery Schools and Kindergartens | |
Nursery Schools (hoikuen) Nursery Schools or Day Care Centres (hoikuen) are available for parents who cannot take care of young children because of work or sickness. In Aizu Wakamatsu City there are 20 Certified Nursery Schools (ninka) and 15 Uncertified Nursery Schools (muninka) They take children from 3 months old until they enter Elementary School (only Chuo Hoikuen takes children from 8 weeks old). What is the difference between Certified and Uncertified Nursery Schools? => A list of Certified Nursery Schools in the City => Direct any enquiries to Aizu Wakamatsu City Hall, Jidokatei Ka, Jidokatei Shien Group, Tel: 0242-39-1243. Kindergartens (yochien) Children can enter kindergarten from ages 3 to 6. Interviews are often required and usually take place in October/November for starting in the following April. Kindergarten hours are usually 8:30am to 1:30pm, although you can usually get after hours care at an extra fee. The monthly fee for kindergarten varies from approximately 14,000 yen to 17,000 yen. In Aizu Wakamatsu City there are 4 municipal Kindergartens and 15 private Kindergartens. They follow guidelines laid down by the Ministry of Education, and undertake education suitable for those ages. The municipal Kindergartens are located in the Kita Aizu area, and the Kawahigashi area, which have both become part of Aizu Wakamatsu City. A list of Kindergartens in the city => Reimbursement for medical treatment is available from city hall for children who have not entered Elementary School yet. To register for this subsidy, go to the National Health and Pension section of city hall and bring your hanko, bank book, and health insurance certificate. You will receive a certificate which you must keep with your health insurance certificate. |
|
|
|
There is a special health check organised by the City for children who have turned 18 months. The check-ups take place monthly at the Hoken centre in Shiromae. Check-in time is 12:45pm - 2:00pm. Public health nurses will take your baby's body measurements and will be available for consultation regarding your concerns on child-nurturing and nutrition. A pediatrician will give your baby a general medical exam, and a dentist wil will perform a dental exam. Remember to bring your Boshi Kenko Techo (Mother and Child Handbook) and the 18-month old examination voucher that should have been sent to you by mail earlier. For any further questions, please contact Kenko Zoshin Ka, Shido Group 0242-39-1246. If you drive to the Hoken Centre, please follow the parking attendent's instructions on where to park, because the parking at the Hoken Centre is limited. The check-up schedule is published in the English edition of the City information bulletin, Shisei Dayori. (Information from Shisei Dayori) |
|
| Infant Foods & Dental Care | |
Classes are convened by the City at various times throughout the year to give dietry and dental advice to the parents of seven-month old babies. Consultation with a dietician, a dental hygenist, and a public health nurse are part of the agenda for these classes. A few examples of solid foods that are good for the development of chewing skills in babies, will be served. Signing up in advanced is require so please check the English information bulletin, Shisei Dayori. For more information, contact Kenko Zoshin Ka Hoken Shido Group 0242-39-1246. (Information from Shisei Dayori) |
|
| Suku Suku Kyoshitsu | |
Suku Suku Kyoshitsu is for parents who have concerns about their child's development. Parents are welcome to bring their children (over 2 years old) to the gathering. It is an opportunity to consult professionals about your concerns and allow the children to play with various toys and musical instruments. Applications and enquiries to Hoken zoshin-Ka Hoken Shido Group 0242-39-1246. News of the next session will be published in English Information bulletin Shisei Dayori. (Information from Shisei Dayori) |
|