어린이집 교사 대 아동 비율 개선 이후 변화에 대한 보육교직원의 인식

Perceptions of Childcare Staff on Changes After Teacher-to-Child Ratio Improvements in Daycare Centers

Objective: This study aims to explore the perceived changes in childcare practices resulting from the teacher-to-child ratio improvement initiative implemented in daycare centers in Seoul. Methods: This study conducted interviews with 10 directors and 10 teachers from daycare centers participating in the teacher-to-child ration improvement initiative. Results: First, the improvement in the teacher-to-child ratio in daycare centers has resulted in positive changes across various domains, including the childcare curriculum, daily operations, teachers, children, and caregivers. However, it has also led to operational difficulties for daycare center. Second, following participation in the teacher-to-child ratio improvement initiative, operational cost support helped alleviate the difficulties caused by reduced childcare fees, leading to high levels of satisfaction among both caregivers and childcare staff. Conclusions: This study closely examined the perceptions of daycare center directors and teachers in Seoul regarding changes in center operations following the reduction in the teacher-to-child ratio, operational difficulties, and the impact of operational cost support from the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Based on these findings, the study proposes adjusting the child-to-teacher ratio and recalculating standard childcare costs in the context of the upcoming integration of early childhood education and care, along with expanded operational support for vulnerable childcare areas.