Cheongju expands childcare service providers to dual-agency system

Cheongju is expanding its childcare service delivery system from a single provider to a dual-agency model starting this November. This move, the first of its kind in Chungbuk province, aims to address the rapidly growing demand for childcare and reduce matching delays, particularly in new urban areas like Osong and Ochang.

Under the new system, the Cheongju Family Center will manage services for Seowon-gu and Heungdeok-gu, while the newly selected social enterprise, Gaon Co., Ltd., will oversee Sangdang-gu and Cheongwon-gu. The city has secured approximately 9.9 billion won in project funds to support this transition.

In addition to improving service accessibility, the expansion is intended to create stable jobs for women returning to the workforce. The city plans to increase the number of childcare providers from the current 288 to 331 by 2027.