The "K-Public Care No. 1" office for parents with children opened at the Gyeongbuk Provincial Office on the 10th. This space is the first of its kind in the country to allow employees to work alongside their children to tackle the low birth rate issue.
The office for parents with children, remodeled from the provincial office's civil service office, goes beyond simple childcare services by providing systematic educational programs and various job experience events through professional companies, as well as child psychological assessments. To achieve this, caregivers, professional instructors, psychological counselors, and safety managers are assigned to ensure that children grow up in a safe environment while parents can focus on their work with peace of mind.
Operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. during school breaks and from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. during the school semester. The main target is employees with young elementary school children who experience childcare gaps due to early school dismissals. Applications can be submitted for those who have nowhere to leave their children or require emergency childcare.
On the same day, Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheol-woo, CEO of Daekyo Educamp Bang Hyoung-sik, President of Andong National University Jeong Tae-joo, and President of Gyeongbuk Provincial University Ahn Byeong-yoon attended to sign a business agreement for the successful operation of K-Public Care. Moving forward, efforts will be made to expand public care to cities, counties, and public institutions, as well as private enterprises, and to collaborate in the development and operation of childcare programs. They will also actively pursue the creation of related jobs.
Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheol-woo noted, "This project is an important first step in overcoming the low birth rate issue and achieving work-life balance," adding, "I hope this innovative model spreads nationwide."