This presents specific directions for constructing a training system with a view to full implementation from fiscal year 2027 onward, regarding the draft report of the Study Group on Human Resource Development in Support for Children with Disabilities.
The Children and Families Agency established a study group (4 sessions) and a working team of practitioners (4 sessions) to provide high-quality support for children with disabilities nationwide, following the March 2023 report of the "Study Group on Day-Care Services for Children with Disabilities" which identified systematic training for human resource development as an urgent priority. This background stems from the dramatic increase in the number of facilities and users of day-care services for children with disabilities following the 2012 revision of the Child Welfare Act, while ensuring appropriate operation and quality of support has become a challenge.
The training system consists of three tiers: "Basic and Practical Training for Support of Children with Disabilities (tentative name)" targets staff from the beginning of work in support for children with disabilities to approximately the third year, further divided into (I) for beginners and (II) for first to third year staff. "Leader Training for Support of Children with Disabilities (tentative name)" targets those who play central roles such as leaders and managers at facilities. "Core Personnel Training for Support of Children with Disabilities (tentative name)" targets those who play central roles in the community, such as providing supervision in the region.
The training content consists of six categories: "①As a supporter working in support for children with disabilities," "②Individual support," "③Family support," "④Community support and regional cooperation," "⑤Understanding of systems," and "⑥Organizational management," aiming to acquire expertise in both support for children with disabilities and child-rearing support. Nine particularly important common elements have been organized, including "ethical stance in interpersonal support," "self-understanding and reflection," and "support based on understanding of children."
For implementation, prefectures and designated cities will take the lead in conducting training, while the national government will be responsible for developing standard curricula and ensuring transparency by publishing training implementation status. For full implementation from fiscal year 2027 onward, it is considered appropriate to proceed gradually rather than starting all training simultaneously, with emphasis on establishing a system where facilities can engage in training with confidence regardless of their size or staffing structure.
The article concludes that constructing a training system for support of children with disabilities as a nationwide common framework will realize nationwide deployment of high-quality support for children with disabilities through improving the expertise of supporters.