School Meals Provided in Elementary Emergency Care, Kindergarten Home Learning Extended to 60 Days

Government to Push for Extension of Family Care Leave Bill
Anonymous Reporting Center to Operate for Those Unable to Use Care Leave
Childcare Service Fees Supported for Households Earning Up to 150% of Median Income Through Year-End

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy, reporter Lee Hyunju] Even if elementary school students participate in emergency care programs, they will be able to receive school meals, and the period for home learning at kindergartens will be extended from 30 days to 60 days. The government also announced plans to expedite the passage of a bill to extend the period of family care leave.

On September 2, the Ministry of Education held the 14th Social Relations Ministers' Meeting at the Government Complex Sejong and discussed these measures under the "Childcare Support Plan in Response to the Spread of COVID-19." First, elementary schools will operate care programs from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., taking into account demand and circumstances. School meals will continue to be provided for students participating in the care program, and to reduce density, students will be distributed with around 10 per room.

For kindergartens, the number of days recognized as field experience learning will be expanded from 30 days to 60 days per year. Daycare centers will also provide emergency care, and youth after-school academies, Together Care Centers, and local children's centers will each offer more than eight hours of care per day.

The Ministry of Education will support the swift passage of a bill to extend the period of family care leave through the National Assembly. Follow-up measures will also be prepared to expand the current policy of providing 50,000 won per person per day, up to 10 days. An anonymous reporting center will be operated to ensure that there are no cases in which parents are unable to use childcare leave. For the child care service, households with an income at or below 150% of the median will receive support covering 50% to 90% of usage fees through the end of the year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.