다문화가족 자녀 양육지원 방안 - 영유아·초등학생·중도입국자녀를 중심으로 -

Abstract

The main purpose of this study is to understand the current child care and support environment for young children, elementary school children, and overseas born children who have moved to Korea. This was done in order to identify integrated support measures that revolve around Multicultural Family Support Centers.

To conduct this study, the implications for support policies of multicultural families by analyzing related laws, policies, systems, and overseas cases of policy implementation and delivery were clearly identified. The study reveals in detail the current support programs for young children run by nationwide Multicultural Family Support Centers; conducted in-depth interviews with the parents of multicultural families; and held consultative meetings with employees of the counsel of multicultural family support, in order to review the validity of the direction of the study and integrated support policies.

The number of children born in multicultural families continues to increase, and accordingly, more of them are reaching school age. Our research findings indicate that their developmental levels lag behind that of the children of non-multicultural families. Even though multicultural families are provided with financial support, they find child care costs burdensome. Surveys that were conducted upon 171 Multicultural Family Support Centers indicate that it is necessary to systemize programs conducted by the centers and enhance their business efficiency by strengthening the link between the centers and the institutions of the local communities. Our findings also indicate that the centers should adopt the strategy of selection and concentration to meet the diverse support needs of overseas born children who have moved to Korea.

The study offers the following policy recommendations based on the research findings.

First, it recommends the provision of tailored services to children according to their age; to systemize support programs for the children of multicultural families; and to enhance operational efficiency of the centers by strengthening relationships with the local communities. Second, as a measure to support the young children of multicultural backgrounds, it is recommended to test children’s developmental levels and deploy professionals with expertise who can lead customized development support programs. Third, as a policy measure to support elementary school children, after school classes and Korean language courses should be provided; professionals with expertise should be deployed; and Multicultural Family Support Centers should strengthen their management function to maintain organic relationships between mentors and children. Fourth, in order to support overseas born children who have moved to Korea, Multicultural Family Support Centers should provide Korean language classes. Tutoring classes should be provided to those enrolled in school and working opportunities to those who need jobs. Fifth, to strengthen parents’ child nurturing abilities, related policies should be used to provide differentiated support services according to each life cycle and developmental level.