Updated: October 2025, 10
Frequently asked questions regarding use of childcare facilities
We have posted answers to frequently asked questions regarding applications and use of Fukuoka City's nursery schools, certified child care centers, home-based child care services, small-scale child care services, and in-house child care services.
The number of pages in the answer to the question is "Information on the use of childcare facilities in fiscal year 2026" page.
(If you have any questions regarding childcare fees, please contactUser charges (childcare fees and side dish fees)Please see here.)
About application for use
Q1. I am currently using a childcare facility. Do I need to apply for use next year?
It may be necessary.
If your child is planning to graduate from a community-based childcare facility at the end of the fiscal year and would like to continue using childcare facilities, you must apply.
If you are a current nursery school student and wish to continue using the same facility, you do not need to apply. In order to confirm your family's situation, a "Current Status Report" will be distributed through each nursery school in the fall, so please submit it to the facility where you are currently enrolled or the Childcare Support Division.
Q2.How many preferred nurseries can I fill out?
You can choose up to five locations.Please only apply to the nursery schools you intend to use. (In principle, you can only transfer to one school.)
Q3. Is it necessary to visit the nursery school or other facility I would like to use?
Please be sure to visit all childcare facilities you wish to use with your child in advance, and have an interview and receive explanations of important matters.Please contact the childcare facility directly to arrange a tour date. (For contact details of childcare facilities, please see "Information on the use of childcare facilities in fiscal year 2026Please check the "List of Fukuoka City Childcare Facilities" on the "List of Fukuoka City Childcare Facilities" page.)
Q4. Which childcare facilities have vacancies?
"Fukuoka Nursery School Information Board (Vacancy Map) You can search for " to check availability.
Q5. What age class will my child be in?
The class age is the age as of April 1st of each school year.Class ages will not change during the school year.
Q6. Can I apply for a nursery school in a ward other than the one I live in?
You can apply.
Q7.Is it better to apply early?
Early application will not give you an advantage in the selection process.During each utilization adjustment, when vacancies become available at the facility, those with the greatest need for childcare will be selected to use the facility.
Q8.When should I apply?
Please apply by the deadline for your desired admission date.The deadline for each desired admission date is "Information on the use of childcare facilities in fiscal year 2026Please check the page.
Q9. I live outside the city. Can I still apply?
You can apply.However, you must move to Fukuoka City by the day before your desired start date, and you will need to submit a "Written Pledge (for those planning to move)," "Resident Card," "Income Tax Certificate," etc.Information on the use of childcare facilities in fiscal year 2026Please see the pamphlet (page 14).
Q10. I live outside the city, but I work for a company in Fukuoka. Can I use a licensed daycare center in Fukuoka?
Not available.However, if you plan to move to Fukuoka City by the day before your desired start date, you can still apply.Information on the use of childcare facilities in fiscal year 2026Please see the pamphlet (page 14).
Q11. I have not yet decided on an address after moving to Fukuoka City. How should I fill out the "Pledge (Moving In)"?
"Fukuoka City (future undecided)" or "Fukuoka City 〇〇Please write "Ward (to be determined)".
Q12. I live outside the city. I cannot visit the childcare facility before applying. What should I do?
Please consult with the childcare facility you wish to use.
Q13. I am planning to move to Fukuoka City in the middle of the school year. Can I still enroll?
If there are vacancies in the childcare facility of your choice midway through the school year, you can enroll.Fukuoka City conducts admission selection on the 11st, 21th, and XNUMXst of each month, so please submit your application documents by the closing date.
Q14. I am on childcare leave. Can I still use the nursery school?
New applications are not accepted during childcare leave,If a parent of a child who is already using a childcare facility takes childcare leave, they can continue to use the same childcare facility during that period.(*If you apply for use with the intention of returning to work from childcare leave, and your child is admitted, and you decide to take childcare leave again (in installments) after returning to work, you will no longer be able to continue using the service for the child for which you are on childcare leave.)
Q15. I am currently on childcare leave. If I apply with the intention of returning to work, when can I start using the service?
You can apply for admission approximately one month before your planned return to work.Information on the use of childcare facilities in fiscal year 2026Please check the application schedule on page 3.Also, after returning to work, you will need to submit a Certificate of Employment to the Childcare Support Division of your ward. If you do not return to work (start working) by the deadline, your application may be revoked and you may be asked to leave the facility.
Q16.What documents should I prepare when applying?
"Fukuoka City Nursery School Procedure Guide"You can search and check it out.
Q17.Where should I submit application documents?
If you are applying for the first adjustment (first selection) to start use on April 1st, please submit your application to your first choice of childcare facility.
If you are applying for the second or third adjustment (second or third selection) to begin use on April 1st, or for use to begin on or after April 11th, please submit your application to the Childcare Support Division of the ward where your first choice of childcare facility is located.
Q18.Where can I get the data for the employment certificate?
"Forms related to childcare facilities, etc.You can download it from here.
Q19. I will be changing jobs between the date of application and the date of my desired admission. Which employment certificate should I submit?
Please submit a certificate of employment from your new employer.
Q20. Can the employment certificate be in the format specified by the company?
Fukuoka City requires that you submit a certificate of employment in the standard format specified by the national government.Forms related to childcare facilities, etc.Please download and use it from here.
Q21. I don't have a My Number card. What documents should I submit to verify my My Number?
Please submit either a copy of your "Notification Card" (only valid if your name, address, etc. match those on your resident registration card), a "copy of your resident registration card with your individual number listed" or a "Certificate of Resident Registration Details with your My Number listed."You will also need to submit identification documents."Information on the use of childcare facilities in fiscal year 2026Please refer to the pamphlet (pages 34 and 35).
Q22.What documents should I submit to prove my income, etc.?
Please submit your income tax certificate."Information on the use of childcare facilities in fiscal year 2026Please refer to the pamphlet (page 14). Please note that the "Notice of Determination/Change of Special Collection Tax Amount for Municipal Tax, Prefectural Tax, and Forest Environment Tax on Salary Income, etc. (for taxpayers)" will not be accepted.
Q23. I am currently in the process of divorce proceedings. Can I omit documents related to my spouse?
This may be omitted if you submit documents that prove that you are in divorce mediation or divorce negotiations."Information on the use of childcare facilities in fiscal year 2026Please refer to the pamphlet (page 15). If you have any questions, please contact the Childcare Support Division of your ward.
Q24. Are there any procedures that can be done online?
"Application for education and childcare benefit certification and application for use of childcare facilities, etc.", "Notification of change of preferred facility," "Notification of decline (withdrawal) of childcare facilities, etc. and notification of withdrawal of grant certification," "Notification of (desire to transfer) to childcare facilities, etc.", "Application for education and childcare benefit certification" (certification of payment).OnlineYou can submit it at.
Q25. I am thinking of applying for both my siblings at the same time. How will the selection process be carried out?
Priority will be given to childcare facilities that can admit all siblings at the same time.Regardless of whether you select A, B, or C in the "Regarding sibling applications" section of the application form, if there is a childcare facility that can enroll all siblings at the same time, that facility will be given priority for admission.
Q26. If I select A in the <Regarding applications for siblings> section, what will be the selection results?
Admission will be granted only if there is a childcare facility etc. that can accommodate all siblings at the same time.If even one of the siblings is unable to be admitted or is placed in a different facility, all of the children will be put on hold.
Q27. If I select B in <Regarding applications for siblings>, what will be the selection results?
There are four possibilities: (Priority will be given to childcare facilities that can accommodate all siblings at the same time.)
1. Decided to enroll in a childcare facility that can accommodate all siblings at the same time
2. Enrollment in different childcare facilities etc. decided
3. There are children among siblings who have already been admitted and others whose admission is pending.
4. All siblings on hold
Please note that even if you are applying with the intention of starting work or returning to work and one of your siblings is put on hold, the guardian must start working or return to work by the deadline.
Q28. If I select C in the <Regarding applications for siblings> section, what will be the selection results?
There are three possibilities: (Priority will be given to childcare facilities that allow all siblings to enroll at the same time.)
1. Priority is given to childcare facilities that allow all siblings to enter at the same time.
2. Enrollment in different childcare facilities etc. decided
3. All siblings on hold
Q29. I am a part-time worker. Would a full-time employee have an advantage in the selection process?
Being a full-time employee will not give you any advantage in the selection process.Regardless of employment status, the usage adjustment points are determined based on the number of hours worked per month.
Q30. My most recent working hours are not 60 hours per month. Can I use childcare facilities?
It may be possible.Certification is based on the number of hours worked in the employment contract, not the actual number of hours worked. If the employment contract stipulates that the number of hours worked is 60 or more per month, certification for use of childcare facilities etc. is possible.
Q31. I work at night. Can I apply?
You can apply.Regardless of the hours you work, if you work 60 hours or more per month, you can be certified to use childcare facilities.
Q32. I would like to leave my child at night. Are there any childcare facilities I can use?
There are two nursery schools: Doronko Nursery School No. 2 (Hakata Ward) and Chuo Nursery School (Chuo Ward).Nighttime childcare hours are from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with extended childcare available before and after. There is an additional fee for extended childcare.
Q33. I am working as a freelancer on a contract basis. Who should write my employment certificate?
Please fill out the form yourself, or have the outsourcing company fill it out. If you fill it out yourself, please also submit documents that explain the business details, etc.
Q34. What is the difference between "standard childcare hours" and "short-term childcare"?
Childcare hours vary.Standard childcare hours are 11 hours from 7:00 to 18:00, and short-term childcare hours are up to 8 hours (hours vary depending on the facility).
If you wish to leave your child outside of the available childcare hours, you will need to apply for extended childcare at the childcare facility. Availability, availability, and hours of operation vary by facility, so please contact the facility in advance.
Q35. I cannot make it to work on time with my short-time childcare certification. Can I leave my child at the facility from an early hour?
In some cases, it may be possible to leave your child in childcare. Standard childcare hours can be approved in advance, taking into consideration commuting time, etc.If your work start time is 17:17 and your short-term childcare at a childcare facility starts at XNUMX:XNUMX, you can be certified as working standard hours, taking into consideration the commute time required. Similarly, if your work end time is XNUMX:XNUMX and your short-term childcare at a childcare facility ends at XNUMX:XNUMX, you can also be certified as working standard hours. (For details, please contact your ward's childcare support department.)
Q36. Can you send me application forms for childcare facilities etc. by mail?
We do not ship by mail.Download from the homepageIn addition to being available for use by those who have not completed their schooling, they are also available at childcare facilities, each ward's child-rearing support department, the Iribe Branch Office, the Seibu Branch Office, and the Information Plaza (first floor of City Hall).
After applying for use and before starting use
Q1.When will I receive the results of the selection?
The "Usage Adjustment (Selection) Results" will be sent to you approximately two weeks prior to your desired date of use (excluding applications for admission on April 1st).If your application is accepted, please contact the nursery school or other facility you have selected and receive an explanation of how the application will be used.
For adjustments to usage after the initial desired start date, a "Notice of Usage Adjustment Result (Decided)" will be sent approximately two weeks prior to the start date only if usage has been confirmed.
Q2. What procedures are required if I want to change the nursery school facility I wish to use?
"Notification of change of desired childcare facilityPlease submit this to your ward's childcare support department.Incidentally,OnlineSubmission via is also possible."Information on the use of childcare facilities in fiscal year 2026Please see the pamphlet (page 18).
Q3. What procedures should I follow if I want to transfer my child to another childcare facility?
After visiting the childcare facility you would like to use,"Notification of transfer (request) to childcare facilityPlease submit this to your ward's childcare support department.Incidentally,OnlineSubmission via is also possible."Information on the use of childcare facilities in fiscal year 2026Please see the pamphlet (page 18).
Q4. I have decided on a childcare facility that is my second or subsequent choice, but can I change it back to my first choice?
No changes can be made.If you apply to multiple childcare facilities, etc., and your application has been accepted to one of your preferred facilities, your applications to other facilities will become invalid. If you wish to apply to a childcare facility other than the one you have been accepted to, please submit a notice of withdrawal and make a new application.
When declining a decision,Notification of withdrawal from childcare facilities and notification of withdrawal of certification for paymentPlease submit the application to the Childcare Support Division of the ward where the childcare facility you have decided to use is located.OnlineApplications can also be made via the following:"Information on the use of childcare facilities in fiscal year 2026Please see the pamphlet (page 18).
Q5. I received a notice that my application was put on hold. What should I do if I want to change my preferred childcare facility?
"Notification of change of desired childcare facilityPlease submit this to your ward's childcare support department.In addition to paper submissionOnlineApplications can also be made via the following:"Information on the use of childcare facilities in fiscal year 2026Please see the pamphlet (page 18).
Q6. I received a notice that my application was on hold. Do I need to apply again?
There is no need to apply again.Only if you change your desired childcare facility, etc.,Notification of change of desired childcare facilityIf your application is put on hold, we will adjust your application for each start date (1st, 11th, and 21st of each month) within the validity period of your education and childcare benefit certification. If your application is not approved within the fiscal year and you wish to continue using childcare facilities in the following fiscal year and beyond, you will need to apply again in the fall.
However, if your employment status (change in working hours, job change, retirement, etc.), reason for needing childcare, or household situation has changed since you applied, you will need to notify us."Information on the use of childcare facilities in fiscal year 2026Please see the pamphlet (page 19).
Q7. My working hours have changed, what should I do?
Please submit the "Employment Certificate (City Form)" to your ward's childcare support department as soon as possible.If your employment status (change in working hours, job change, retirement, etc.) or household situation has changed since the time of application, you must notify us."Information on the use of childcare facilities in fiscal year 2026Please see the pamphlet (page 19).
Q8. I applied with the intention of returning to work. By when do I need to return to work?
Please return to work within one month of your admission date.After returning to work, please submit the employment certificate again to the childcare support department of the ward. If you do not return to work (start working) by the deadline, your application may be cancelled and you may be asked to leave the facility.
Q9. I am planning to be absent from childcare facilities for a long period of time. Will my child be expelled?
In principle, if you take a continuous leave of absence for more than one month, you will be dismissed.If you are returning to your hometown to give birth, you may be allowed to be absent for up to two months, so please consult with the Childcare Support Division. However, you will still be required to pay childcare fees even if you are absent.
Q10. My admission is pending. Is there any procedure I need to take?
This procedure is only required if you need to extend your education/childcare benefit certification or if you want to change your preferred nursery school.
Q11. "I have been accepted, but I cannot start on the start date. Can I change the start date?
Once you have decided to use the service, you cannot change the start date.If you are unable to enroll on the agreed start date, please submit a "decline notice" to the childcare support department of the ward in which the nursery school is located and reapply.OnlineBut you can still go through the procedure.
Q12. If I decline a decision, will there be any penalties? Also, will I receive a notice of my decision?
There is no penalty, but a deferral notice cannot be issued.If you decline after being selected, the facility or other people who have applied for the same childcare facility may not be able to use it. Please carefully consider your options and apply for a childcare facility that you intend to use. If you need to receive a deferred notice, you will need to apply again and be selected.
After you start using the service
Q1. When does the adjustment period start?
Adjustment period for childcare will begin from the first day of use.We provide a two-week transition period for children to get used to the new environment. The details will vary depending on the child's situation and the childcare facility, so please contact the facility for more information. Even if the childcare hours are shorter than normal due to the transition period, the childcare fees will be the same as for normal childcare hours.
Q2. I am planning to move outside the city. Will I still be able to use childcare facilities after I move?
Not available.If you have decided to move, please notify us as soon as possible.Notification of leaving childcare facility, etc. and notification of withdrawal of certification for education/childcare benefitsPlease submit this to the childcare facility you are currently using.
However, if only one parent moves and the other parent and the eligible child continue to live in Fukuoka City, you can continue to use childcare facilities by changing the details of your certification. Please submit a "Change Application Form" to the Childcare Support Division of the ward where the childcare facility you are currently using is located."Information on the use of childcare facilities in fiscal year 2026Please see the pamphlet (page 18).
Q3. What is the procedure for leaving the facility?
"Notification of leaving childcare facility, etc. and notification of withdrawal of certification for education and childcare benefitsPlease submit this to the childcare facility you are currently using.
Q4. What procedures should I follow if I want to transfer my child to another nursery school?
After visiting the childcare facility they wish to use,Notification of transfer (request) to childcare facilityPlease submit this to the childcare facility you are currently using or the childcare support department of the ward where the childcare facility is located.In addition, OnlineBut you can still process it.
Please note that once the transfer decision has been made, you will not be able to return to the original facility even if you decline. Please carefully consider your application and, if you no longer wish to transfer, please apply as soon as possible.Notification of withdrawal from childcare facilities and notification of withdrawal of certification for paymentPlease submit this to the Childcare Support Division of the ward where the childcare facility you are using is located.
Q5. I am planning to be absent from childcare facilities for a long period of time. Will my child be expelled?
In principle, if you take a continuous leave of absence for more than one month, you will be dismissed.If you are returning to your hometown to give birth, you may be allowed to be absent for up to two months, so please consult with the Childcare Support Division. However, you will still be required to pay childcare fees even if you are absent.
Q6. My employment status or household situation has changed since I applied. Do I need to take any further action?
If there are any changes in your employment status (change in working hours, job change, retirement, etc.), reason for needing childcare, or household situation since the time of application, you must notify us."Information on the use of childcare facilities in fiscal year 2026Please see the pamphlet (page 19).
About online applications
Q1.How can I resume my application after it has been temporarily saved?
In the "Search" tab of My Number Portal, in the "Resumption of local government procedures" column, click "Reopening an application", upload the application data saved on your computer or smartphone, and resume your application.
Q2. I want to stop my application midway. Can I save the answers I have given so far?
You can save the content you are currently entering and resume entering it again.You can download the data you have entered by clicking "Save the application data you are entering" at the bottom of each step page.
Other Information
Q1. Can I get the documents I submitted back?
I can't give it back.If necessary, please make copies for yourself before submitting.
If you apply online, after completing your application, please click "Download a copy" and save a copy of your application form.
Q2. What procedures are required to extend childcare leave benefits?
Please contact your employer or Hello Work.
Q3. What should I do if I lose my current status report?
Please contact the Childcare Support Division of the ward where your childcare facility is located. You can also submit your application online. We plan to open an online application site in the fall. (Current Status Reports are distributed through childcare facilities you are using every fall.)
Q4. I am currently using a certified childcare facility with a Type 1 certification (kindergarten category). Can I change it to Type 2 (nursery school category)?
No changes can be made.If you wish to use Category 2 (nursery school category), please apply to use a childcare facility.OnlineBut you can still apply.
Q5. What application procedures are required if I use an unlicensed childcare facility?
Please check with each childcare facility. For details on the procedures for free childcare, please see "About free of charge early childhood education, childcare"Please verify.
Q6. Can I apply to both childcare facilities and kindergartens or unlicensed childcare facilities?
Concurrent applications are possible.Kindergartens and corporate-run childcare facilities cannot be used together.
Q7. I live in Fukuoka City, but can I use a licensed nursery school outside the city?
First, please contact the city or town where the childcare facility you wish to use is located.
Contact for applications and inquiries during use
・For inquiries regarding applications, please contact the Childcare Support Division of the ward in which your first choice of childcare facility is located.
If you are currently using a childcare facility, please contact the Childcare Support Division of the ward in which the childcare facility is located.
For inquiries only regarding education and childcare benefit certification, please contact the Childrearing Support Division of the ward in which the applicant guardian resides.
Higashi Ward Childcare Support Division, Child and Family Welfare Section
[Address] 2-54-XNUMX Hakozaki, Higashi-ku
[telephone number]092-645-1068
[FAX number] 092-631-1511
[email address]kosodate.HIWO@city.fukuoka.lg.jp
Hakata Ward Childcare Support Division, Child and Family Welfare Section
[Address] 2-8-XNUMX Hakataekimae, Hakata-ku
[telephone number]092-419-1080
[FAX number] 092-402-2703
[email address]kosodate.HAWO@city.fukuoka.lg.jp
Chuo City Childcare Support Division, Child and Family Welfare Section
[Address] 2-5-31 Daimyo, Chuo-ku
[telephone number]092-718-1101
[FAX number] 092-771-4955
[email address]kosodate.CWO@city.fukuoka.lg.jp
Minami Ward Childcare Support Division, Child and Family Welfare Section
[Address] 3-25-1 Shiobara, Minami-ku
[telephone number]092-559-5123
[FAX number] 092-559-5149
[email address]kosodate.MWO@city.fukuoka.lg.jp
Jonan Ward Childcare Support Division, Child and Family Welfare Section
[Address] 6-1-1 Torikai, Jonan Ward
[telephone number]092-833-4103
[FAX number] 092-822-2133
[email address]kosodate.JWO@city.fukuoka.lg.jp
Sawara Ward Childcare Support Division, Child and Family Welfare Section
[Address] 2-1-1 Momochi, Sawara-ku
[telephone number]092-833-4354
[FAX number] 092-831-5723
[email address]kosodate.SWO@city.fukuoka.lg.jp
Nishi Ward Childcare Support Division, Child and Family Welfare Section
[Address] 1-4-1 Uchihama, Nishi-ku
[telephone number]092-895-7065
[FAX number] 092-881-5874
[email address]kosodate.NWO@city.fukuoka.lg.jp