Childcare support at nursery schools in Japan: current services and future needs

This study aimed to survey childcare support being undertaken by nursery school teachers in Japan and to identify the theories and skills necessary for nursery school teachers to carry out childcare support in the future. In 2007, a postal questionnaires was sent to 1200 teachers at 850 nursery schools, with responses from 712 teachers from 456 nursery schools. In terms of knowledge and skills considered necessary by nursery school teachers in local childcare support centers, 'knowledge and skills of giving advice' was the most common response, followed by 'understanding of children's growth and development'. Nursery school teachers need to receive sufficient education before and after graduation to gain these skills. It is also clear that there is a need for nursery school teachers to make use of their expertise by co-ordinating collaboration among professionals and in the community.