#Japan #Tokyo #Gakken Holdings #child support #COLLOQ

Introduction

On April 1, 2026, Gakken CocoFun Nursery, a subsidiary of Gakken Holdings, will roll out a new online training service titled "Gakken After-School Teacher Support COLLOQ". This initiative aims to meet the growing demands of after-school care facilities as they become a vital third space for children beyond home and school.

As the need for quality after-school care continues to rise—especially amidst challenges like the so-called "first grader wall"—it's crucial to enhance the skills of support staff who oversee children's safety and development. This new service leverages Gakken's extensive experience and expertise in managing after-school facilities to foster an effective training environment that aligns with the needs of both support staff and facilities.

Addressing Key Issues

In recent years, communities have seen an expansion in after-school facilities due to increased demand. However, the industry also faces pressing challenges, including a shortage of qualified personnel and high turnover rates among support staff. The collaboration between the Child and Family Agency and the Ministry of Education, as outlined in the "After-School Child Policy Package 2026", emphasizes the need for comprehensive training as a means to elevate the quality of after-school care.

For facilities to thrive and attract both parents and staff, improving staff quality and fostering teamwork is essential. To address this, Gakken decided to deploy an online training service that provides effective and engaging educational content, drawing from their deep-rooted history in publishing educational materials and managing after-school care facilities over the past decade.

Features of Gakken After-School Teacher Support COLLOQ

This innovative online training platform is designed to support quick learning and enhance communication among support staff in just 15 minutes per session. The service is crafted in response to direct feedback from staff, ensuring it meets their training aspirations.

1. Short and Manageable Learning Modules
Each session lasts just 15 minutes, allowing staff to integrate learning into their busy schedules. Each theme addresses common scenarios or challenges faced in the field, promoting practical application of the content.

2. Interactive Learning Format
Unlike traditional lecture-based training, COLLOQ emphasizes collaborative learning and discussion among staff members. This engaging approach fosters communication and leads to new insights and understandings.

Future Service Expansion

Given the ongoing issues of declining birth rates and high turnover among childcare staff, creating desirable facilities will be increasingly important. COLLOQ aims to enhance the quality of after-school support through training that is easy to access and immediately applicable in practice. The service will expand its content to address these evolving challenges.

Sample Video Themes (2026)

• - After-School Care
• - Parent Support and Interaction
• - Safety and Hygiene
• - Disaster Preparedness and Crime Prevention
• - Leadership and Management Training
• - New Staff Orientation Policies

Notable Instructors

Some respected professionals leading the training include:

• - Daiki Shigakuchi, Chairman of Wako Welfare Corporation
• - Masashi Yamazaki, Associate Professor at Sonoda Gakuen University
• - Makoto Takahashi, Director of Yanagimachi Children's Center in Bunkyo City

About Gakken CocoFun Nursery

Learn more about Gakken CocoFun Nursery at Gakken CocoFun. Their commitment to creating supportive environments for children's growth continues to shape the future of after-school care in Japan.

About Gakken Holdings

Founded in 1947, Gakken Holdings (GAKKEN HOLDINGS CO., LTD.) is publicly listed and operates in various sectors including education and medical welfare. Learn more at Gakken Holdings. The organization focuses on publishing learning materials, managing childcare facilities, and providing support services for families, all while expanding its reach internationally across more than 150 countries.