Social conditions are constantly changing, characterized by declining birth rates and an increase in dual-income households with infants and young children. Since the last survey conducted in 2018, the environment surrounding childcare facilities has evolved significantly. Key developments include the introduction of free early childhood education and care, the promotion of the Early Childhood to School Transition Program, the establishment of the Children and Families Agency, and the enforcement of the Basic Act on Children.

To better understand these changes, we collaborated with principals and ECEC teachers at kindergartens, daycare centers, and certified ECEC centers and investigated the conditions and issues within childcare facilities.

This report presents survey data that provides insights into the current state of early childhood education and care, following the 2017 revisions to the "National Curriculum Standard for Kindergartens," the "Guidelines for Nursery Care and Education at Day Nurseries," and the "Guidelines for Education and Childcare at ECEC Centers" (collectively referred to as the "National Curriculum Standard/Guidelines").

Full Text