유치원과 보육시설의 시설·설비 기준 개발 연구

Abstract

Kindergartens and childcare centers are institutions where young children undergo group experiences for the first time in their lives and thus are extremely important environments for this reason alone. Since the number of children who stay all day in kindergarten or childcare center is recently growing in Korea, kindergarten and childcare center environments would appear to have a greater impact on young children than the family environment. Our physical environments influence the way we feel and behave and determine interpersonal interactions as well as playing a crucial role in helping us successfully reach educational goals. The influence of physical environments on young children is more crucial compared to adults because children mostly feel and learn through sensors and are unable to choose or control their environments independently by themselves. In this regard, kindergarten and childcare center facilities and equipment are important means to reaching developmental and education goals and care. This study aims to provide suggestions for reforming the minimum legal standards and optimal standards that ensure safety and support children’s development. To this end, we have conducted documentary research, case studies (comprising 14 institutes), a national wide survey (comprising 611 directors and 2,164 teachers), 5 rounds of focused group interviews (comprising 31 directors or teachers), specialist consulting meetings and open discussions. Based on the results of this study, we propose minimum legal standards as a means of improving and setting optimal standards, taking into consideration national realities and their suitability for children at particular developmental stages. Additionally, we provide several examples through computing area by institute size. Finally, we make several policy suggestions to improve the physical environments of kindergartens and childcare centers as follows. First, there is a need to develop independent standards, such as 'Regulations for kindergarten and childcare center facilities and equipment' that integrate both kindergarten and childcare center facilities and equipment for all preschool children. Second, it is necessary to provide manuals making the most of a given institute´s characteristics, facilities and equipment in kindergartens and child care centers. Third, Field Specialists need to participate in building kindergartens and child care centers from the beginning. Forth, guidelines for entitlements need to be drawn up to prevent problems such as the duplication or overlapping of aid or undesirable lump sum payments in a lump sum and financial support for equipment and facilities should be increased. Fifth, management teams must be provided to consult on safety, management, building and remodeling kindergartens and childcare center facilities and equipment.