JET program with family

How is the current JET program when it comes to bringing family along? Especially small children? Is it feasible? Can the salary support 2 children under 7? What if you are a single parent family?

It's low pay. I doubt you could support a family on the wage along.

But it could supplement either a second job or large savings.

but, I believe that ALT which are recruited by agents are much worse than JET.

Google is such a helpful tool
https://jetprogramme.org/en/faq02/#:~:text=JET%20Programme%20participa...

https://www.timedoctor.com/blog/average-salary-in-japan/#stats-on-the-...

So yes it is below average salary.
It depends on where you�fll be how far this lasts. And where your chiodren will go to school.

In addition to salary, housing, child care, and schooling are some of the challenges that come to mind.

As a person who has lived overseas including in Japan, is hate to think about how difficult it would be to live in rural Japan by yourself with 2 kids under 7.

In general, a Japanese single parent should be able to survive on that wage if they are in a cheap location. However, there are too many red flags for this to happen.

I joined the JET programme last year (2024). I have my husband and two kids (under 4 years old). I am the sole income earner. We live in a rural town in Japan and live pay check to pay check, but we are getting by relatively comfortably. We are lucky though as our town offers a LOT of free support for children (indoor play areas, PLENTY of parks with playgrounds, etc.). We are currently looking into childcare options here for our three and a half year old so that she can start making friends here. And the costs for uniforms is where it's alarming, rather than the monthly cost for care (6500 yen a month for five days a week 9am-4pm). So, it is doable. However, it strongly depends on where you are located, how much your rent and the like will be too. My rent is 16,600 yen a month but electricity, gas, water and internet are separate and large costs within themselves. Plus, I have a little boy who can EAT, plus a husband with dietary requirements, and these things add up with grocery and general living costs. But, yes, it is doable. We are actually contracted on for our second year as well.
In my opinion, I would give it a try! The worst that happens is you end up needing to return to your home country. But, at least you can say "I gave it a try" and not sit in a state of "what if".