표준보육과정 개정안 활용도 제고 방안 - 표준보육과정 개정안 해설서 작성을 중심으로

Abstract

In order to enhance the utilization of the revised Standard Childcare Curriculum, this study examined the ways in which the Standard Childcare Curriculum is currently being used. It did so by comparing the actual curriculum as it is being implemented in childcare centers with the contents of the Standard Childcare Curriculum Act, enacted in 2007. This study also conducted in-depth interviews with a sample of 20 directors from childcare centers, in order to address the problems and needs related to how the Standard Childcare Curriculum is being used. Based on the findings of this study, a manual for a revised version of the Standard Childcare Curriculum was drawn up.

The study contains a review of the research and case studies related to the financing, administration and delivery of the childcare curriculum, followed by the findings of the interviews. The directors showed an adequate understanding of the purposes of the Standard Childcare Curriculum, however, they appeared to treat it as a format to be applied literally and strictly rather than as a series of guidelines and possible approaches. In addition, they found it difficult to purchase the guideline book of the curriculum, and could not distinguish the term “Standard Childcare Curriculum” from “Childcare Program according to the Age Group.” Such findings suggest that further promotion of the curriculum and distribution of the guideline book are necessary.

Overall, the directors gave high ratings for content and the structure of the curriculum, however, its linkage to the primary school curriculum was rated to be unsatisfactory. In addition, the directors pointed out that the curriculum is difficult to use due to confusion relating to terms used in the curriculum, the insufficient number of programs which can be implemented and overly complex descriptions.

What follows are the policy implications for enhancing the utilization of the Standard Childcare Curriculum: 1) when implementing the revised curriculum, support for its use needs to be provided as well as publicizing its content to childcare facilities and parents; 2) staff training needs to be strengthened by unifying the provision of staff training, extending the training hours, and providing ongoing professional development and retraining; 3) various childcare programs should be provided through an internet website; and lastly, 4) an ad-hoc group for developing and distributing the curriculum needs to be organized.