抄録
(Objective) We discuss the benefits and drawbacks of the “After-School Plan for Children,” which will be implemented by the government in 2007, and examine the future role of after-school care centers.(Method) To compare the “After-School Plan for Children” with conventional after-school care programs, we carried out a questionnaire survey of parents and interviewed people living in municipalities that have adopted the integrated approach to “after-school care for all children”.
(Results) 1) While the “After-School Plan for Children” provides significant financial benefits for the administrative operation, satisfactory levels of after-school care services are not available for parents and their children. 2) It is becoming increasingly important to develop an after-school care program from the viewpoint of children and parents who utilize the program.
