육아지원기관 행·재정 체계의 통합 추진을 위한 단·중기 전략

Abstract

Criticism of previous studies on this area focused on the fact that they provided only a list of the main issues, and overly generalized suggestions of methods, without much advice or even the possibility of applying such suggestions in reality. This research attempted to understand previous policies on early childhood education and childcare from a multi departmental perspective, in terms of facilities, operating systems and finance, and separated short and mid-term strategies, with comprehensive measures aimed at creating more detailed plans for practical implementation. This paper attempts to do the following: understand the policies and regulations of current implementation, management, and financial support for kindergartens and childcare centers; research external case studies in terms of administration-finance integration for early childhood education and childcare and draw implications; analyze the perceptions on distinct characteristics of kindergarten and childcare institutes and clarify future directions and needs for administration-finance integration. Finally it aims at and suggesting a road map for integrating implementation, management, and finance support for kindergartens and childcare institutes.

In terms of research methods, cases of administration-finance integration external to Korea were compared. At the same time, 2,000 experts, public officials, onsite officials, parents participated in a survey on understanding the nature of early childhood education and childcare, shared their opinions on present administration, finance systems, as well as possible integration methods.

According to the survey results, respondents pointed out that implementing a supervision system for childcare centers was what needs to be done in the short term. This is especially appropriate considering that the 'Nuri Curriculum for age five’ is being implemented from 2012. The expansion of public officials responsible for kindergarten and childcare center administration was seen as an area of priority improvement above others. Next was problems related to kindergarten expenses and childcare center fees. There were many opinions relating to implementing a price ceiling system for the childcare expenses of kindergartens which currently only applies to childcare centers. Moreover, many called for improvements in the methods of finance support. Regarding operation methods, there is a difference in operation between childcare centers and kindergartens, in which the former has an annual schedule from January 1 through till the end of the year, and the latter has a school year running from March 1st through to the end of February of the following year.

The annual operating period needs to be adjusted if a common education-childcare curriculum is accepted. One example of such would be the joint implementation of the 'Nuri Curriculum for age five‘. The demands of survey participants concerning this matter were quite high.

Other suggestions revolved around the method of parallel integration of two areas within the Ministry of Education in order to maintain the advantages of both early childhood education and childcare. Administration such as laws and organization, financial issues such as budgets and financial support are in need of further mediation.