Current Challenges in Inclusive Educational Support for Children Requiring Medical Care in Japan: A Focus on Pre and Post Elementary School Period
Japan’s Act on Support for Children Requiring Medical Care and Their Families, which came into effect in June 2021, stipulates measures to facilitate the lives of children requiring medical care in the community and to reduce the burden on their families. Although support for children requiring medical care has progressed under this law, it is essential to verify the degree of achievement. This study examines the current situation and challenges of supporting children who require medical care in Japanese educational settings, with a focus on inclusion. First, an overview of children requiring medical care is presented, followed by a description of relevant laws and regulations. Then, the current situation before (childcare facilities and kindergartens) and after (special needs and regular elementary schools) schooling is described. Finally, we discuss support issues from an inclusive perspective.
