What Modern Parents Think About Preschool Education

Abstract

Preschool education became a part of general K–11 education only very recently. This change has been documented, and it is reflected in the organization and funding of the preschool departments of schools. The welfare of preschool departments within community K–11 organizations depends on the number of parents that they are able to attract. However, one thing remains unclear: What do parents prioritize when they choose a preschool? Do they see preschool education as a stage of K–11 education? Is there anything in particular that parents require of preschool education, and if so, then what is it? A study of parent needs showed that most parents choose a preschool because of its convenient location. They believe that the main task of preschool education is to look after and care for their children. Parents are satisfied when the teacher takes a benevolent and individualized attitude to the child. We identify three groups of parents, which differ in terms of their reasons for choosing a preschool, goals, and satisfaction factors.