#Japan #Tokyo #Yamagata #InclusiveCare #DoronkoGroup

Innovative Program to Enhance Inclusive Childcare

On April 1, 2026, the Doronko Group, based in Shibuya, Tokyo, will embark on a transformative journey by launching a unique program that integrates public and private sectors in childcare. The initiative, known as the Long-Term Dispatch Training Program, aims to educate public childcare workers employed in Yamagata's Kameyama City about inclusive childcare practices at private facilities operated by the Doronko Group. This pioneering effort seeks to not only spread knowledge but also to strengthen community support for diverse childcare needs.

The Challenge Facing Inclusive Childcare

As the demands of childcare continue to diversify, the importance of inclusive education grows. However, many public facilities face barriers that hinder the proper implementation of inclusive practices. A recent survey revealed alarming deficiencies in the available expertise to care for children with disabilities. Approximately 70.6% of facilities indicated a lack of specialized knowledge for catering to disabled children, while nearly 59.8% felt unequipped to integrate children with disabilities alongside their peers.

Doronko Group’s Commitment to Inclusive Care

Doronko has been a leader in inclusive childcare for over a decade. Their commitment is reflected in the practical training program, which stands out as a first of its kind where public childcare staff will become fully immersed in the operational environment of a private preschool. Participants will work alongside experienced professionals, gaining hands-on experience in providing nurturing care to all children, effectively bridging the gaps of knowledge in the field.

Training Details

The Long-Term Dispatch Training Program will last for one year, from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. The training locations include:

• - Katoridai Doronko Nursery in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture
• - Hayamada Doronko Nursery in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture

Two public childcare workers from Kameyama City will participate, providing them with unique insights and skills that they can bring back to their local facilities.

Social Significance of the Initiative

This program combines the strengths of both public and private sectors to enhance inclusive environments for children at the community level. By fostering cooperation, the initiative aims to reduce the anxiety that both parents and childcare givers may experience, promoting a more holistic understanding of inclusive practices.

Key Goals of the Initiative Include:

• - Promoting the inclusion of children with disabilities in public childcare settings.
• - Reducing anxiety and workload for both parents and caregivers.
• - Generating a sustainable environment of inclusivity throughout the community.

Future Prospects for Collaborative Growth

This groundbreaking effort aligns with a partnership agreement signed on December 23, 2025, between the Doronko Group and Kameyama City, aimed at creating an inclusive environment for all children regardless of their challenges. This collaborative model encourages a shift in how childcare and developmental support are structured, emphasizing joint responsibility for all children's well-being.

Comments from Leaders
Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Mayor of Kameyama City, reflects on the importance of hands-on training for public childcare workers:

"We need practical experience for our workers, not just theoretical knowledge. We aim to build a system that welcomes diverse children, so their skills must be top-notch.

Anka An永, chairperson of the Doronko Group, emphasizes the need for collaboration in modern childcare approaches:

"Integrating our approaches means redefining how we view inclusion, allowing both educators and children to thrive together."

As this program takes flight, it highlights the potential for collaborative efforts to lead to a more inclusive society where all children can grow and develop together, breaking down walls between public and private childcare sectors and paving the way for a better future.

About Doronko Group

The Doronko Group, committed to nurturing children's potential, offers services in childcare, developmental support, and vocational training, with a philosophy rooted in fostering human abilities. With around 200 facilities and a staff of approximately 3,000, they serve over 10,100 individuals.

For more information, visit Doronko Group Official Website.

Connect with us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

For press inquiries, please use the Doronko Group Contact Form.