어린이집과 유치원 장애위험 영유아 조기발견 및 발달지원 종합 대책 방안(Ⅳ): 통합지원체계 모델 시범 적용

Abstract

This study presents the key findings of the final year of the four-year project, Comprehensive Strategies for Early Screening and Support for Children at Risk for Developmental Disabilities in Early Childhood Education and Care (2022–2025). The purpose of this study is to enhance the field applicability and effectiveness of the Korean Screening Index for Early Development (K-SIED)—a screening tool for teachers and parents developed and standardized over the previous three years—and to establish a collaborative developmental support system among teachers, parents, and professionals within the context of young children’s daily lives. To achieve these goals, the study examined the usability of the K-SIED, implemented pilot programs for integrated developmental support for children at risk, and established and operated regional networks to support children with developmental delays. Based on these efforts, the study proposed comprehensive strategies and detailed action plans for developmental support. The research methods included literature reviews, in-depth analysis and refinement of the standardized data collected in the third year, focus group interviews(FGIs) with teachers and parents, pilot implementation of a family-centered early intervention model for infants through collaborative research, analysis of domestic and international cases of early screening and intervention, expert advisory meetings, and consultations with institutions in the fields of education, care, welfare and healthcare. The main findings are as follows. First, the K-SIED usability analysis showed that over 70% of children were classified within the typical developmental range, and the agreement rate between parent and teacher ratings exceeded 70% across most age groups, confirming the tool’s reliability. Second, in the pilot programs for early screening and early intervention, the family-centered early intervention model demonstrated positive effects on infant development and parental competence. The K-SIED was also validated as an effective tool for communication and collaboration between parents and professionals during the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) process. Additionally, case studies of ECEC institution-based developmental support illustrated the practical applications of early screening and intervention using the K-SIED. Third, regional cooperative networks for early screening and early intervention were established in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Gangwon, and three models were proposed: an education office-centered model, a childcare support center–healthcare linkage model, and a welfare-centered model. Finally, the study proposed a vision and objectives for a comprehensive developmental support system for children at risk for developmental delays, identified four key strategies and ten detailed action plans, and suggested directions for improving relevant laws and systems. The findings of this study provide foundational evidence for strengthening the linkage between early screening and early intervention, and for establishing a community-based integrated developmental support system for young children.