School of Medicine Family Support Project

This is a membership-based child care support service that helps faculty members (full-time and part-time), graduate students, and undergraduate students enrolled in the Keio University School of Medicine balance work/studies and childcare with peace of mind, through the cooperation of local community members.

The project aims to create a system where medical professionals and the community work together to support child-rearing, while also contributing to the improvement of childcare capacity in the entire region by giving back medical knowledge and skills to the community.

"Requesting Members" who wish to receive child care support and "Providing Members" who wish to offer support both register, and coordinators facilitate the matching of mutual assistance activities between members.

Director, Keio University School of Medicine Family Support Office

Associate Dean, School of Medicine / Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Kazuno Negishi

I am Kazuno Negishi, Director of the Keio University School of Medicine Family Support Office and the Associate Dean in charge of this project.

Currently, work-style reforms for doctors are underway in medical settings, but the environment surrounding doctors remains harsh, with demands to balance clinical practice, research, and education in addition to night shifts and emergency responses. For doctors raising children in particular, there are many situations that are difficult to handle with existing services alone, such as a child's sudden illness or childcare during nights and holidays. Furthermore, the burden of high costs has hindered the balance between work and childcare, becoming a factor in resignations and the abandonment of career continuation.

To solve these issues, we have established the "Keio University School of Medicine Family Support System." A major feature of this system is that it can be used not only by full-time doctors and faculty but also by part-time doctors, graduate students, and undergraduate students. Regardless of employment status or position, we aim to support the balance between childcare and clinical practice, research, education, and studies, creating an environment where everyone can continue their career with peace of mind.

The operation of this system has been entrusted to the NPO "Childcare Network Piccolo," which has an extensive track record in child care support at university hospitals. We expect that a system will be built that can be used with confidence, utilizing their understanding of the irregular work patterns unique to medical professionals and their experience in community-based support activities.

In establishing this system, the administrative staff of the relevant departments have provided immense effort from the preparation stage. I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the realization of this system through everyone's dedicated cooperation.

This system is a mechanism for mutual assistance that connects "Requesting Members" who need child care support with "Providing Members" who provide that support. By creating an environment where people can feel free to ask for help when in trouble and feel that it was a lifesaver, we will support you so that you can engage in your respective activities with peace of mind.

We ask for your understanding and active use and participation.

NPO Childcare Network Piccolo

Chairperson, Midori Omata

I am Midori Omata, Chairperson of the NPO Childcare Network Piccolo, which has been entrusted with the operation of the Keio University School of Medicine Family Support Office.

Our organization began its activities with home-visit temporary childcare, based on two policies: "We do not ask for the reason for the request" and "We reach out immediately when someone is in trouble." We have continued community-based support centered in Kiyose City, Tokyo, and will celebrate our 30th anniversary in January 2027. During this time, we have developed various housework and child care support services, including the Family Support Center project, aiming for "support for the whole family."

We will make the most of the know-how we have cultivated over many years to create a warm Family Support Office where everyone can support each other with peace of mind.

To achieve this, the understanding and cooperation of both Providing Members and Requesting Members are essential. We look forward to your support in sustaining this Family Support Office together with our coordinators.

There are no registration fees or membership dues (usage fees are charged separately).

Faculty members (full-time and part-time), graduate students, and undergraduate students enrolled in the Keio University School of Medicine who have children from approximately 2 months to 15 years of age.

*The service can also be used during childcare leave or for parental refreshment.

Individuals aged 20 or older who are healthy in mind and body and reside in Shinjuku City or neighboring areas.

*Activities are carried out by those who have completed the "Childcare Service Training Course (30 hours)" conducted by this office.

We primarily provide the following three types of childcare support. We do not ask for the reason. Please feel free to consult us.

Pick-up and drop-off for childcare facilities or extracurricular activities, care during parental work, academic conference participation, urgent business, or refreshment, etc.

Care for children who are ill or in the recovery phase.

Care involving overnight stays during night shifts, late-night work, business trips, etc.

- Care during the New Year holidays (12/30–1/4) and outside of designated hours

- Pick-up and drop-off using the Providing Member's bicycle or private car

- Care for multiple children other than siblings

- Acting as a study partner for the child

- Care involving overnight stays for sick or post-illness children

- Housekeeping assistance

The Keio University School of Medicine Family Support Office has established a support system so that faculty and students enrolled in the School of Medicine can balance work, studies, research, and childcare with peace of mind.

We are currently recruiting "Requesting Members" who wish to receive child care support for children from approximately 2 months to 15 years of age.

◆ Eligibility: Faculty members (full-time and part-time), graduate students, and undergraduate students belonging to the School of Medicine

◆ Fees: 900 yen to 1,200 yen per hour (*Depending on the day of the week and time slot)  

Please feel free to consult us anytime you are in trouble, such as "I can't make it to the nursery school pick-up due to overtime or research," "I want someone to watch my child only during lectures or exams," or "I only need help with morning and evening pick-ups and drop-offs."

Our "Providing Members" are reliable supporters who have completed approximately 30 hours of specialized training (including basic life-saving training) where Keio University faculty and staff also serve as instructors.

We recommend registering as a member in advance to be prepared for emergencies. Please check below for details and the registration process.

First, please contact the Family Support Office by email or phone.

The office will send you a "Registration Set (Activity Guide, Leaflet, Enrollment Application Form)."

When submitting the "Membership Application Form (Form 2 (Front) (Back))," there will be an interview at the Family Support Office (explanation of the handbook, hearing of request details, etc. / approximately 1 hour).

Keio University School of Medicine Family Support Office

Direct TEL: 03-5363-3950 Extension: 63060 Business Mobile Extension: 67818

E-mail：family.support-group@keio.jp

The Keio University School of Medicine Family Support Office is recruiting "1st Term Providing Members" to support the start of activities from early February 2027.

Prior to actual activities, we provide training where you can thoroughly learn about child safety and development. Since faculty and staff from Keio University also participate as instructors, even first-timers can deepen their knowledge with peace of mind.

This is an activity we would love for those who feel "I want to contribute to the community now that my own child-rearing has settled down" or "I love children" to take a step forward in.

Won't you join us as a partner supporting the smiles of local fathers, mothers, and children?

If there is anyone around you who might be interested, we would appreciate it if you could share this information. The Family Support Office can also send posters and flyers for distribution or posting, so please let us know.