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- Nursery school admission procedures and fees
When you decide to enroll your child into a nursery school, you must first choose the particular nursery school. Then you will submit the necessary paperwork at your local city/town government office. You will be able to enroll in any local nursery school. However, the paperwork must be filed in the governing office where you live. “Nyuusho” or “Nyuuen” is the name of the process of being admitted into a nursery school. [Table 1] Preparation for enrollment into nursery schools - displays the example of the admissions process starting from April of next year.
【Table 1】Preparation for enrollment into nursery schools
| Time for preparation | What you generally do |
| Generally by August | Time for researching and gathering any information about the admission process. If necessary, go visit the nursery school in question to find out more details |
| From September to November | You must obtain and fill out an application form called “Hoikumoushikomisho” from your local governing office where you live. Prepare any necessary documents and submit them to the governing office. An example of required documentation is provided on [Table 2] on the following page. |
| From February to March | Schools will allow your child admission for a single day to try out the school, which is called “Ichinichi nyuuen” in Japanese. The school principal and staff will talk to you about the school. They will give details about any important information (necessary items, schools regulations, etc.) Make sure to prepare any necessary items required for the school. |
| April | School entrance ceremonies are held. The school will give explanations on various topics at this time. If you require someone to translate/interpret, you are responsible for bringing this person. |
When you submit the application form (Hoikumoushikomisho) for admission into nursery school at your local government office, you will also be required to submit additional documents. You will need to verify which documents are required at your local government office, because the documents required can vary from family to family. [Table 2] provides an example of a child whose parents are foreigners working for a company.
【Table 2】Example of the documentation required for a child with parents who hold citizenship in a foreign country (the parents in this example work for a private company)
| Location where you obtain the application forms | Name of the document | Items that you are required to bring | Fees |
| Local government office | Hoikushomoushikomisho (application for admission into nursery school) | None | None |
| Kazeishoumeisho (Tax Declaration Certificate [for father and mother]) | Forms of valid identification that are able to prove who you are. e.g. Residence Card, Driver’s License, Health Insurance Card, etc. | One copy costs around 200 yen | |
| Company/Business | Zaishokushoumeisho (Certificate of Employment [for father and mother]) | None | None |
Fees for nursery schools are determined by local government offices. Therefore, depending on where you live, the fees you will be required to pay will vary. The fees required of you will be determined based on your entire family’s income tax rate or municipal tax rate. All tuition fees will be paid directly to your local government office, so please consult with them if you have any questions or concerns. [Table 3] Example of tuition fees paid in Kofu City (If the child is 1 year old)- provides an example of the fees you would pay if you lived in Kofu city.
【【Table 3】Example of tuition fees paid in Kofu City (If the child is 1 year old)
| A household where both parents work | A household where there is only a single mother | A household that does not pay any family income taxes | |
| Monthly Income Tax Rate | Father- 50,000 yen Mother- 40,000 yen Total Amount- 90,000 yen |
Mother- 35,000 yen Total Amount- 35,000 yen | Father- 0 yen Mother- 0 yen Total Amount- 0 yen |
| Monthly Municipal Tax Rate | Households that pay family income taxes do not have to pay municipal taxes | Father- 13,000 yen Mother- 0 yen Total Amount 13,000 yen | |
| Nursery School Tuition Fees | 40,800 yen | 20,200 yen | 14,200 yen |
(This table uses information from the 2012 Kofu City website’s homepage)
In addition to the tuition fees, you will also need to pay for any study materials such as books and supplies, as well as any fees for school lunch and PTA membership fees.
