ABSTRACT
Early childhood education, nationally defined as preschool education in Turkey, defined in the XIV1. National Education Council (1993) as the following; “Pre-primary education is an integrated part of fundamental educational process that is appropriate for 0–72 months old children’s development and individual differences, provide rich and stimulated environment, support children’s physical, intellectual, emotional and social development, guide them according to the cultural values and preparing them to primary education”.2
Early childhood education and care is provided through crèches (for 0–36 month olds), kindergartens (36–72 months old), ‘practical’ nursery classes, i.e. kindergartens established within the vocational high schools, (36–72 months old) and preschool classes in primary schools (for 60–72 months old). Both public and private kindergartens, nursery classes and ‘practical’ nursery classes are under the responsibility of the Ministry of Education (MONE), while others are provided under the responsibility of National Ministry of Family and Social Policies. All public pre-primary education centres are free of charge, but parents are expected to contribute to the cost of meals and cleaning materials.
ECE programs under the responsibility of MONE should follow the National Early Childhood Education Curriculum for 36–72-month-old children (2013), regardless of whether they are public or private. Private ECE programs are also allowed to integrate national curriculum with their own educational philosophy.
Staff of public kindergartens should have at least a four-year bachelor degree in the field of early childhood education or child development. Inclusion is encouraged through legislations; one child with special need for a group of ten children is compulsory if there is an application. Family involvement is seen as a must for the early childhood education process.
