28 Nov If you would like to enroll your child in daycare facilities (Hoikuen) starting next April 2024, the application deadline is November 30th.

For admission on April 1, 2024, please complete your application for the first round by submitting the documents to the Children & Family Welfare Section (健康・子ども課 Kenko-Kodomo Ka ) of the regional health center by 5:15 p.m. on November 30, 2023.

The first round of applications will begin on November 1.

You need to visit the facility you want to apply to for your child beforehand.

Even if your baby has not been born by the enrollment deadline (Nov 30), you may still apply for April admission.　Children  must be 57 days old or older  for application as of April 1st, 2024.　
Please note that this enrollment applies only to April admission. You can not enroll your child before April.  Please show the maternal and the child handbook called Boshi-Techo of your baby-to-be. You can fill in your due date as his/her birthday and leave his /her name blank on the application form.

Applications for enrolling in childcare facilities

Applications for enrolling in childcare facilities (保育所 Hoikusho ) are accepted at any time. The provision of daycare services will then be determined two months after screening process. It will also depend on whether there is space available for your child in a daycare center.

The first day to attend the childcare facility is the date the applicant requests. If there is no vacancy in the facility of the applicant’s choice at the requested date, the applicant will be placed on a waiting list. Please refer to the following PDF.

Application for Approval for Childcare Services(in English)

Sapporo City Entry Guide to Day Care Centers, Etc. issued in September, 2023(in English)

What you need to do if you need Childcare Service in Sapporo 2021 (in English)
(Material used in Childcare seminar “Applying to Public Daycare Centers” on Oct. 8. 2021.)

Frequently asked questions about the use of daycare centers and kindergarten. (in English)

(!)Sapporo Community Interpreters are available for interpretation, when you receive explanations and/or go through procedures regarding enrollment in nurseries (childcare facilities).
TEL: 011-211-2105
FAX: 011-232-3833
E-mail: community@plaza-sapporo.or.jp
A leaflet of Sapporo Community Interpreters

Consultation, Inquiries and Applications

For more information, please contact the Children & Family Welfare Section of the regional health center between 8:45 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. except on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays.

based on information from Sapporo City            Last reviewed on Nov. 28, 2023