#Japan #Tokyo #Tokyo University #Famicare #Inclusive Childcare

Famicare's Initiative for Families with Medically Dependent Children

In an exciting new endeavor to support children who require medical care, Famicare, operated by NEWSTA Co., led by CEO Akiko Suzuki, is collaborating with esteemed research groups from the University of Tokyo and Tokyo University of Science. This partnership aims to promote inclusive childcare and bring awareness to the challenges faced by families with medically dependent children.

The Backstory

As advancements in medical technology continue to progress, there is a growing population of children who rely on medical interventions, such as tracheostomy and feeding tubes, to lead their daily lives. These medically dependent children often exist within the supportive environment of their homes, yet they face significant barriers when it comes to being integrated into communal childcare facilities like kindergartens.

Despite the introduction of supportive legislation in September 2021 aimed at addressing the needs of these children and their families, operational challenges remain. Many childcare centers struggle with the necessary staffing and infrastructure to safely accommodate these children, limiting their ability to provide inclusive care. Consequently, opportunities for these children to engage with their peers and for parents to pursue work and social activities are often constrained.

In response to these issues, the collaborative research team from the University of Tokyo and Tokyo University of Science has initiated a comprehensive survey titled "Survey on Childcare for Medically Dependent Children". This initiative aims to gather data that will inform the development of a better support structure for families navigating the complexities of childcare with medical needs.

The Survey

The survey is open to families with children under 20 who require medical care, regardless of their specific conditions or previous experiences with childcare facilities. It will be conducted online, focusing on a variety of important areas, including:

• - Daily living conditions for the child and family
• - Factors that influence their choice of childcare facility
• - Available options for enrolling in suitable institutions
• - Tools and support resources that assist in their childcare search

The survey will take place from November 1, 2025, to December 22, 2025, with findings expected to provide an essential baseline for developing resources tailored to these families' needs.

Famicare's Support Feature

Famicare's support feature, titled "Tell Us! The Realities of Childcare Searching for Families with Medical Needs", is designed to amplify the voices of families dealing with medical care challenges. The initiative aims to share information about the survey while also creating a platform for families to express their experiences and insights regarding their childcare journey.

In addition to disseminating valuable information, Famicare is expressing gratitude to participating families by offering a chance to win special prizes through a lucky draw providing additional incentives for participation.

Research Team Insights

Led by Professor Takemi Ono from the University of Tokyo, the research team includes notable members such as Yu Muto and Ken Kikuchi, focusing on creating educational resources that enable children with and without medical issues to access the same childcare opportunities. The team stresses the importance of understanding the real-world situations that these families navigate to inform more effective educational materials and resources.

About Famicare

Famicare is dedicated to making everyday life enjoyable for families with medically dependent children. Their platform encompasses various services, including support for families navigating the challenges of disabilities with over 15,000 families participating across Japan.

Famicare continues to work towards a society where having a medical condition does not limit a child's ability to receive the structured care they deserve. This initiative not only highlights the struggles these families face but also paves the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.

For further information, visit the Famicare platform: Famicare