Research into the value of after school children’s centers for children with disabilities : A case study at a children’s center in Kumamoto City

We aimed to clarify the value of children's center use by children with disabilities and the acceptance level of children's centers in Kumamoto City.Our findings are as follows: Eleven of the fifteen children with disabilities in this study had attended or were currently attending a children’s center. Infants and toddlers were slightly more likely to use children’s center services than elementary school students. The frequency of use was irregular or regular but infrequent. Facility challenges include making restrooms barrier-free, eliminating steps at entrances and exits, and installing rooms for emotional cool-downs. The staff at the children’s center do not view children with disabilities as special needs children, but provide needed additional support on a case by case basis. It is believed that children with disabilities continue to use children’s centers because the staff do not unnecessarily treat them as different.