2013~2017 유아교육 중장기 발전 방향

Abstract

The current study aimed to explore mid- to long-term development directions in overall early childhood education policies from 2013 to 2017 and further to suggest concrete political tasks. Literature review offered analyses on the current status and problems in overall implementation of early childhood education including features and tasks in the current governmental policies and on the recent trends in early childhood education policies abroad including OECD and UNESCO suggestions to Korea. Two consultative meetings with early childhood education professionals from academic and administrative circles were conducted to elicit directions for proceeding policies for mid to long term. Surveys with parents as well as professionals were followed to examine appropriateness of early childhood education political tasks suggested. The directions suggested for future policies in early childhood education are to ensure universality and equality of educational opportunity; to secure quality and public release; to close the gap bred; to activate involvement of homes and communities; and to pursue gradual integration of early childhood education and care. The detailed political tasks include 1) expansion of tuition support, realization of tuition, income-based support for after-curriculum expense; 2) improvement of working condition for teachers, support for teacher training, upgrading teaching certificates; 3) expansion of public kindergarten, support on private kindergarten implementing public release; 4) empowerment of the vulnerables, 5) enhancement of governmental support system expanding administrative personnel and public advertisement and parent empowerment, and 6) integration of early childhood education care newly organizing by age etc.