영유아 보육·교육 비용 추정 및 대응방안 연구

Abstract

This study was designed to examine household expenditure on early childhood care and education, and to suggest policy measures to decrease the supplemental costs involved. A household survey involving a nationally representative sample of 2,500 households and 3,392 0-5 year old children was conducted. The questionnaire was comprised of two parts; the first part investigated the demographic and socio-economic status of the parents, including their perceived burden as regards child care and educational costs. The second part inquired as to the type and cost of ECE service used among the 9 different kinds of ECEC services, including private education, during the month of June, 2012. The expenses of the 9 kinds of child care and education services, whose total annual costs are estimated to be 5,900 billion won nationally, or 4.8% of GDP: 1,360 billion won for 0-2 year old children, and 4,439.6 billion for 3-5 year old children. The total annual cost of private education is estimated to be 2,720 billion won, or 0.2% of GDP: 551 billion won for 0-2 year olds, and 2174 billion for 3-5 year old children. Policy measures were suggested based on the findings as follows: First, institutional infrastructure should be established: a strong support for national curriculum, development and dissemination of special programs; the provision of guidelines and supervision for supplemental education in child care centers and preschools; and an increase in the supply of public institutes, etc. Second, the support system for the disadvantaged should be improved; current financial benefits for disadvantaged children should be increased, additional support should be considered in the form of benefits for child-raising in the case of low-income families, as well as vouchers for extra-curricular programs, etc. Last, in terms of long term long-term policy, the child(family) benefit system should be reviewed.