June 27, 2025
Experts in early childhood education and care (ECEC) at a press conference in the Welfare Ministry office building on June 26 announced the establishment of an organization to promote a campaign calling for an increase in the staff-to-child ratio in childcare centers to international standard levels.
At the press conference, they pointed out that in Japan, the number of children per care worker is high compared to other countries.
Advanced senior economist at the Japan Research Institute Ikemoto Mika said that in France, it is believed that the environment where childcare workers do not have time to rest will endanger children’s safety. She added that in order to provide children with adequate care in compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, it is vital to improve staff-to-child ratios and care staff’s working conditions so that they can spend more time with children.
Professor emeritus of Fukushima University Omiya Isao referred to the OECD’s Starting Strong Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS Starting Strong) which focuses on the ECEC workforce. He pointed out that in the survey, along with Chile and Israel, Japan was cited as a country where nursery staff are tasked to look after large groups of children. He said that in order for childcare workers to build positive relationships with children, the need is to make class sizes smaller, which is a common understanding worldwide.
At the press conference, they pointed out that in Japan, the number of children per care worker is high compared to other countries.
Advanced senior economist at the Japan Research Institute Ikemoto Mika said that in France, it is believed that the environment where childcare workers do not have time to rest will endanger children’s safety. She added that in order to provide children with adequate care in compliance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, it is vital to improve staff-to-child ratios and care staff’s working conditions so that they can spend more time with children.
Professor emeritus of Fukushima University Omiya Isao referred to the OECD’s Starting Strong Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS Starting Strong) which focuses on the ECEC workforce. He pointed out that in the survey, along with Chile and Israel, Japan was cited as a country where nursery staff are tasked to look after large groups of children. He said that in order for childcare workers to build positive relationships with children, the need is to make class sizes smaller, which is a common understanding worldwide.
