#Japan #Shinagawa #Gakken Holdings #Developmental Support

New Integrated Support Facility Opens in Shinagawa

On September 1, 2025, Gakken CoCoFan Nursery, a group company of Gakken Holdings, will begin operating the O'Hara Child Development Support Center and O'Hara Children's Center in Shinagawa, Tokyo. This new facility aims to address the growing needs for support for children with developmental challenges and those with medical care requirements in the region.

The project marks a significant milestone, as it provides a much-needed upgrade to the existing O'Hara Children’s Center after 40 years of service. Alongside the development of the second Child Development Support Center in Shinagawa, the Children's Center has undergone a major renovation to meet the contemporary demands of the community.

This integrated facility uniquely combines the Child Development Support Center, which offers specialized support and counseling for children with developmental concerns, with the Children's Center that supports local families. In doing so, it represents Shinagawa's first comprehensive facility designed to provide mutually reinforcing assistance for both developmental support and community-based childcare. The initiative aims to foster an inclusive environment where every child, regardless of disabilities, can thrive and express their individual strengths.

Gakken CoCoFan Nursery is committed to a fundamental principle that no child should be left behind in receiving childcare support. The goal is to create an environment where every child can grow into their own, and families can feel safe and secure in their development within the community. The organization not only focuses on providing specialized support but also prioritizes strong connections with local partners and stakeholders, ensuring that the facility remains open and accessible to all.

O'Hara Child Development Support Center

The O'Hara Child Development Support Center is designed to provide professional support to children with disabilities and their families. Its programs include:

• - Child Development Support: Targeted towards children ages 3 to 6, focusing on basic daily living skills and social development through play activities.
• - After School Day Service: Available for children ages 6 to 18, providing life assistance, leisure activities, and educational support during after school hours and school breaks.
• - Visiting Support for Nursery Schools: For children ages 0 to 18, specialized staff will visit homes to support children’s adaptation to group life.
• - Consultation Support Services: Primarily for children 0 to 18, encompassing basic consultations, the creation of support plans, monitoring, and adjusting with related agencies.
• - Inclusive Hiyoko BELL: A program aimed at supporting children requiring medical care and their families through consultations and community support.

O'Hara Children’s Center

The O'Hara Children’s Center serves as the most accessible childcare support facility for children and their families in the neighborhood, catering to those from birth to 18 years of age. The Center is an open space where local children are encouraged to play, learn, and connect freely. It also offers various programs tailored to meet community needs, including seasonal events and workshops, designed specifically for parents from pregnancy through postpartum.

Service Overview

Child Development Support Center

• - Operating Days: Monday to Saturday (excluding holidays and New Year)
• - Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• - Service Hours:

- Child Development Support:
- Weekdays: 10:00 AM - 2:30 PM
- Saturdays: 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
- After School Day Service:
- Weekdays: 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
- Saturdays: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Long school breaks: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM

• - Capacity: 10 children per day (multi-functional)

- Child Development Support: 5 children per day
- After School Day Service: 5 children per day

Visiting Support for Nursery Schools

• - Operating Days: Monday to Friday (excluding holidays and New Year)
• - Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Consultation Support Services

• - Operating Days: Tuesday to Saturday (excluding holidays and New Year)
• - Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Inclusive Hiyoko BELL

• - Operating Days: Monday to Friday (excluding holidays and New Year)
• - Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Children’s Center

• - Operating Days: Monday to Saturday (excluding holidays and New Year)
• - Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Moving forward, Gakken CoCoFan Nursery remains dedicated to being a cornerstone of support for local children and families. By fostering collaboration with related organizations, the operation will continuously evolve to meet the community's needs.

About Gakken CoCoFan Nursery

• - Website: Gakken CoCoFan Nursery
• - CEO: Chie Yamazaki
• - Established: May 19, 2008
• - Address: 2-11-8 Nishi-Gotanda, Shinagawa, Tokyo 141-8420
• - Phone Number: 03-6431-1861
• - Services Provided: Management of licensed and certified nurseries, childcare support facilities, and after-school education programs.

About Gakken Holdings

• - Website: Gakken Holdings
• - CEO: Hiroaki Miyahara
• - Established: March 31, 1947
• - Address: 2-11-8 Nishi-Gotanda, Shinagawa, Tokyo 141-8510
• - Phone Number: 03-6431-1001
• - Capital: 19.817 billion yen
• - Revenue: 185.6 billion yen (as of September 2024)
• - Stock Listing: Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market (Ticker: 9470)