Seoul Metropolitan Government is expanding its substitute teacher and substitute cook support program for daycare centers to fill staffing gaps when regular childcare teachers and cooks take leave for vacations or family events.
The city announced on the 22nd that it will invest 25.6 billion won this year, newly introducing labor cost support for substitute cooks in addition to the existing substitute staff dispatch system.
Seoul has supported daycare centers since 2000, starting with substitute teacher labor cost support, followed by substitute teacher dispatch in 2009 and substitute cook dispatch in 2017. Last year, the city supported approximately 37,000 substitute teacher dispatches, 2,500 substitute cook dispatches, and 24,000 cases of labor cost support for substitute teachers directly hired by daycare centers.
In a survey of childcare staff, 70% of respondents said they used substitute staff support four or more times per year, indicating the program has become essential support. Additionally, 59% of respondents answered that "expansion of support is needed."
In response, starting this year, Seoul is going beyond the previous structure where cooks could only receive dispatched workers. When dispatch personnel are unavailable, the city will now also cover labor costs for substitute cooks directly hired by daycare centers. Small daycare centers where directors personally handle meal preparation due to lack of dedicated cooking staff—previously in the blind spot of support—are expected to be the main beneficiaries.
Daycare centers seeking substitute staff support can apply online through the Childcare Integrated Information System and the Seoul Childcare Portal Service. The process involves first applying for substitute teacher or substitute cook dispatch, then applying for direct-hire labor cost support if dispatch is unavailable due to scheduling constraints.
Ma Chae-sook, Director of Women and Family Affairs at Seoul Metropolitan Government, said, "Childcare staff must be able to take leave with peace of mind so that we can provide better childcare environments for children. We will continue to expand practical support reflecting feedback from the field."