Gyeonggi Province to Launch 'Always Available Child Care Service for Elementary Schools' from July 1

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Kim Gap-dong] Gyeonggi Province will launch the 'Elementary School Facility-Type Always Available Child Care Service' from July 1, providing care services on weekday evenings, weekends, and holidays at child care facilities near residents' homes for families requiring emergency child care.

This elementary school facility-type always available child care service will be operated on a pilot basis in 14 cities and counties including Suwon, Hwaseong, Seongnam, Namyangju, Ansan, Pyeongtaek, Anyang, Paju, Gimpo, Gwangmyeong, Icheon, Guri, Yeoju, and Dongducheon.

Targeting children ages 6-12, child care facilities near residences such as Together Care Centers and Local Child Centers will provide additional child care on weekday evenings and weekends and holidays beyond existing operating hours.

The province will conduct pre-registration to receive applications for the 'Elementary School Facility-Type Always Available Child Care Service' from the 17th through the 28th. Pre-registration is available at hub child care centers, Together Care Centers, and Local Child Centers in districts and counties near children's residential addresses.

Detailed information is available through the Always Available Care Center (hotline call center, 010-9979-7722).

Meanwhile, the province has been operating 'Always Available Childcare Centers' at five locations including Bucheon since the 1st, where parents of infants and young children from 6 months to 7 years old can place their children 365 days, 24 hours during temporary or emergency situations.

A provincial official said, "Through this always available child care service, we expect to significantly reduce the burden on dual-income families and families in emergency situations, and provide an environment where children can grow safely and healthily."