Early Childhood Education Support in Korea amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

The purpose of this study is to examine the support provided by childcare-related educational/administrative organizations and child care centers vis-à-vis COVID-19. Data were collected through the websites of childcare-related professional organizations’ and interviews with the directors or vice-directors of each childcare center. The targets that childcare-related organizations' support include young children, the parents, teachers, and childcare centers. The types of support provided by the organizations range from financial, emotional, and administrative in nature to those that involve program development and teacher training. Efforts from childcare centers include online video classes, sending activity plans and materials to families, and giving feedback on photos and videos of activities accomplished at home. In addition, special activities in childcare centers that were only possible and meaningful during the COVID-19 period, like conducting small-group activities, teaching about COVID-19, and practicing “Good Consumption” were also examined. It is encouraging that child care-related specialized institutions supported young children, their families, and childcare centers by making various attempts, and that childcare centers develop and implement programs suitable for their philosophy and size. It is expected that implementing more educational and meaningful practices in early childhood education institutions at the time of COVID-19 based on these results.