The Influences of Integrated Preschool Policy on the Management of the Education Protection Officer in the Nursery Affiliated with Elementary Schools: The Experience and Implication in Hsinchu City
Jhih-Pei Hu,* Siao-Ping Wu**
Abstract
This study focuses on the “The Act of Early Childhood Education and Care,” which states that “Each nursery affiliated with elementary school should hire one more education protection officer.” The purpose of this study is to understand whether the additional education protection officer has influenced the operation and function of nursery schools. This study takes Hsinchu city as an example, because it is the first city to implement this policy in Taiwan. The main points of the research include investigating the opinions and viewpoints of education protection officers with regard to the new law; understanding the duties of the additional education protection officer and how these positions are managed by the nursery affiliated with elementary schools; and investigating the viewpoints and opinions of the additional education protection officer with regard to each nursery school teacher.
After analyzing the empirical data from the questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews, this study summarizes six findings and suggestions: First, the explanation of the integrated preschool policy is not clear enough, as many different definitions have been given. Second, the same job should be defined by a corresponding recruiting act. Third, clear job responsibilities and planning are called for. Fourth, Hsinchu city assigns one teacher and nursery in the class – a practice that has side effects. Fifth, other country governments should maintain two teachers in one classroom. Six, education protection officer should be given equal work opportunities.
Keywords: integration of preschool, the act of early childhood education and care, education protection officer
* Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration, Chung-Hua University.
** Teacher, Dongyuan Elementary School Hsinchu City; Master of Public Administration, Department of Public Administration, Chung-Hua University.
http://www.exam.gov.tw/public/Data/311279393771.pdf