농어촌 지역 영유아 교육·보육 실태 및 개선 방안

Abstract

The purpose of this research project is to investigate the current status of early childhood education and care (ECEC) in kindergartens and childcare facilities and the social supporting system for rearing young children in rural areas of Korea. The supporting system is supposed to be provided by the institutes such as the Support Center for Childcare(SCC), the Health Family Support Center(HFSC), and the Multi-cultural Family Center(MFC). In addition, this study also explores the characteristics and needs that rural families with young children have. Research questions to achieve these purposes are as follows: a) what are the characteristics of rural area in terms of economy, sociology, demography, and ECEC? b) what are supporting policies of central and local governments for young children in rural area? c) what are the current status of kindergartens and childcare facilities in rural areas as well as the supporting institutes such as SCC, HKSC, and MFC? d) what are difficulties and needs related to child rearing that rural families have? and e) what strategies for developing policies can we suggest based on the results of this research? To get the answers of these research questions, we employed research methods such as literature review, in-depth interviews, a survey, and meetings with professionals in the related fields including governmental officials. We divided Korean rural areas into three types(A, B, C) based on demo-sociology and economic states and tried to find out their distinguishable characteristics and strategies for improving ECEC and child rearing. According to the research results, type A areas which are in low SES overall need supports especially for quality of education in mixed age classes, children with disabilities and conduct problems, and children from multi-cultural families and living only with a grandparent. Type B areas which have features as typical farms need part-time and holiday childcare services and financial supports for ECEC teachers including transportation and housing. Finally, Type C areas which have both characteristics of rural and urban places should have priority in establishing public childcare facilities managed by the central and local governments.