Available for Children Aged 6 Months to 6 Years Old
2,000 Won Per Hour at 9 Centers Across 6 Districts
Incheon City will launch a pilot program for 'Expanded Hourly Childcare' starting September 1 to reduce gaps in child care for parents.
This initiative is part of Incheon’s childcare policy, 'i+ Gilleodream,' and expands both the operating hours and eligible age range of the existing Ministry of Education’s hourly childcare program. A key feature is that any family in need of hourly care in urgent situations can use this service.
The operating hours have been extended from the previous weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with new service hours added on weekends and public holidays (9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.). Childcare services will be provided at designated city daycare centers for 2,000 won per hour.
The nine daycare centers offering the expanded hourly program are: Worldy (Jung-gu), Gruteogi (Michuhol-gu), Ivy League (Yeonsu-gu), Aion (Yeonsu-gu), Gowoonmam (Namdong-gu), Lira Montessori (Namdong-gu), Pureunbada (Namdong-gu), Haesol (Bupyeong-gu), and Jena (Seo-gu).
The eligible age range has been expanded from the previous 6 to 36 months to up to 72 months (including children under age 7 who have not yet entered elementary school). The city plans to analyze the results of the pilot program through December and implement it as a regular program starting next year.
Until the dedicated website is launched, service applications can be made by calling each participating daycare center to make a reservation. From mid-October, applications can be submitted through the 'Bumodawoom' website.
An Incheon City official stated, "Expanded hourly childcare is a flexible and safe Incheon-style childcare safety net that can respond to sudden schedule changes or gaps in care," adding, "We expect it will provide practical help to dual-income families and those who have difficulty relying on grandparents for childcare."
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