The Economic and Welfare Committee of Gwangsan District Council in Gwangju Metropolitan City held a 'Policy Meeting for Improving the Childcare Environment in Gwangsan District Daycare Centers' on the 30th in the council's second-floor meeting room.
The meeting was held to explore ways to improve the childcare environment in daycare centers and strengthen welfare services for infants and young children.
Hwang Jeong-mi, President of the Gwangsan District Private Daycare Center Association, directors of nine daycare centers in the district, National Assembly member Lee Yong-bin, Gwangsan district council members, and related officials, totaling about 20 people, attended.
The meeting was chaired by Councilor Gong Byeong-cheol, and the participants engaged in in-depth discussions to listen to the difficulties faced by local daycare centers and to prepare policy alternatives.
The attendees expressed sympathy regarding the childcare realities of foreign children, noting that due to the burden of childcare fees, it is difficult for them to register at daycare centers or they have to stop attending, resulting in a lack of equal educational opportunities compared to domestic children.
They said, "In the case of foreign children, life guidance is somewhat more difficult, and due to parents' working hours, there is a dual burden of childcare, such as demands for early arrival and late departure," and added, "It is also necessary to simplify related procedures, such as the monthly submission of certification documents required from foreign children."
In particular, they emphasized, "The operational difficulties of daycare centers caused by declining birth rates and increased home care are leading to a decline in the quality of childcare services," and stressed, "It is urgent to prepare measures to improve the childcare environment, including expanding the budget."
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