유아교육·보육(ECEC) 정책 성과와 과제(Ⅰ): 국정과제 이행 성과분석을 중심으로

Abstract

This study analyzes the performance of key areas in early childhood education and care policies in South Korea, focusing on national policy achievements. The study conducted an analysis of early childhood education and care policies in South Korea, in line with the government's five-year national agenda. It assessed the design, planning, implementation, and outcomes of these policies. This analysis helped identify significant achievements of the government policies, as well as areas where the plans fell short or were not implemented. The study also proposed future improvements. The detailed research content includes: First, developing a framework for evaluating the implementation level of government initiatives in early childhood education, care, and nurturing over a five-year period. Second, analyzing the performance of these initiatives over the past year. Third, based on the analysis of policy outcomes, identifying areas for improvement and proposing future enhancements. This study proposes the development of balanced support policies in early childhood education and care (ECEC), emphasizing the integration and elimination of redundancies between policies and services. It also recommends prioritizing policies that ensure the safety of young children as a fundamental direction. The policy suggestions focus on enhancing early childhood care and education through various approaches: The study proposes various policies: cash support policies tailored to household characteristics, extension of cash support age, and additional vouchers. Service support policies include enhancing childcare service quality, reviewing educational programs in kindergartens and daycare centers, improving treatment for childcare workers, and adjusting support for pregnancy and childbirth services. Time support policies suggest promoting systems for work-life balance post-childbirth and increasing maternity leave benefits. Finally, it recommends strengthening the promotion of early childhood education and care policies, publicizing safe food practices, and highlighting exemplary cases.