A Study on Supporting In-Service Training to Strengthen Future-Oriented Competencies in Childcare Staff

The purpose of this study is to explore strategies for supporting in-service training that enhances future-oriented competencies in childcare staff. A total of 219 childcare staff participated, and in-service training was conducted according to the revised curriculum. The reasearch method employed both a satisfaction survey and open-ended questionnaire for each of the four courses (the Director’s Duties Course, Pre-Director’s Duties Course, Teacher’s Duties Course, and Childcare Teacher’ Rank 1 Course). Among the programs, the Rank 1 Promotion Course received the highest satisfaction ratings, and the Director Duties Course received the lowest satisfaction ratings. Based on the categorized responses to open-ended questionnaire, suggestions were proposed to strengthen future competencies for each course. The research results are as follows. First, in order to integrate early childhood education and childcare, the subject of childcare policy should be included the Pre-Director Duties Course. Second, in order to repond to artificial intelligence digital society, digital literacy education should be incorporated into all childcare staff training. Third, mandatory training with the same content should be mutually recognized. Finally, administrative and financial support from relevant ministries is needed to sustain the Childcare Teacher’ Rank 2 Course, which is currently challenged by low enrollment.