Fukuoka Prefecture had 53 children on official childcare waiting lists as of April 1, up 24 from a year earlier. The total increased for the first time in two years. Mizumaki accounted for 25 children and Shingu for 20, together representing more than 80% of the prefectural total after both recorded zero last year. The prefecture said housing development and an influx of families outpaced facility capacity and staffing in the two towns, while the broader “hidden” waiting list was roughly unchanged at 2,778. It plans to promote a regional childcare-worker qualification that requires recipients to work in the area for three years. Source: NHK News / Fukuoka Prefecture
Photo: Fukuoka Now
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