Developing Models to Integrate Early Childhood Education and Childcare in Korea

Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore models for integrated policies and systems of early childhood education and childcare in Korea. We proposed five prospective models and offered a possible roadmap toward the integration of administrative systems. The roadmap was constructed after obtaining feedback from professionals in the fields and by evaluating the advantages and limitations of each of the prospective models that were developed. After identifying significant disagreements among stakeholders, we recommended a roadmap for integration which could minimize the conflicts among key groups. We presented specific tasks to explore before undertaking the administrative integration. The suggested tasks included integrating the two existing committees of early childhood education and childcare under the supervision of the Prime Minister, accommodating the functions of kindergartens and childcare facilities, integrating teacher training and qualification systems, and equalizing public financial support and regulatory systems between the two sectors.

The Influence of Foreign Cultural Discourse on the Uma Settlement in Mentawai, Indonesia

“…The research that was done used certain data criteria, and those criteria can be seen in the actual data that was collected throughout this research. To phrase it another way, the data should contain the meaning that lies behind what the study informants observe and say (Rhee, 2008).…”

Education Reform in Korea

“…In addition to improving quality, countries' reasons for integrating ECEC include increasing enrolments, promoting fairness and streamlining management by eliminating a dual approach. The development of separate childcare and kindergarten systems in Korea aiming at largely the same age cohort in the absence of comprehensive planning has led to substantial administrative and financial inefficiencies (Rhee et al, 2008). The integration of the two systems is essential to limit duplication, conflict and confusion, thereby cutting the administrative and overhead costs of running two parallel systems, in part by allowing them to be housed in the same facilities.…”

“…While initial efforts to promote integration in Korea in the 1990s failed (Rhee et al, 2008), gradual integration based on the following steps would improve ECEC:…”

Sustaining Korea's Convergence to the Highest-Income Countries

“…In addition to improving quality, countries' reasons for integrating ECEC include increasing enrolments, promoting fairness and streamlining management by eliminating a dual approach. The development of separate childcare and kindergarten systems aiming at largely the same age cohort in the absence of comprehensive planning has led to substantial administrative and financial inefficiencies (Rhee et al, 2008). The integration of the two systems is essential to limit duplication, conflict and confusion, thereby cutting the administrative and overhead costs of running two parallel systems, in part by allowing them to be housed in the same facilities.…”