Keelung City adds Saturday childcare at 3 parent-child centers from July

Keelung City is enhancing its support for families with young children by introducing Saturday temporary childcare services at three parent-child centers. Starting July 1, the Qidu, Ren'ai, and Xinyi parent-child centers will offer this service, extending the city's commitment to creating a child-friendly environment.

The initiative aims to provide much-needed respite for parents, particularly those who find weekday childcare challenging or need assistance during weekends. The Department of Children and Youth Affairs stated that this move is a tangible resource for new families, helping to alleviate the pressures of childcare.

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Parent-child centers are not only spaces for parents and children to play and learn together, but also important hubs for supporting family childcare.

Each participating center will offer four temporary care slots each Saturday, operating from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The booking system will remain flexible, allowing parents to reserve spots in advance or inquire about availability on the same day via phone. One spot per day is held for immediate bookings, ensuring responsiveness to urgent needs.

Wu Yujie, director of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs, emphasized that childcare should be a shared responsibility between families, society, and the government. The department plans to monitor the service's usage and gather feedback to refine future policies and improve accessibility to childcare resources.

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Childcare should not be borne by families alone; it requires the joint support of society and the government.