The Perspective of Future Teachers on the Preschool Education Program: Evaluation of the Content, Quality, Functionality, and Comprehensibility of the Program

This study aims to investigate the views of pre-service early childhood teachers about the content, quality, functionality, and comprehensibility of the early childhood education (ECE) program used in Turkey. The study was conducted as a phenomenological study and its participants consisted of 20 pre-service early childhood teachers. The researchers collected data through an open-ended interview form. According to the findings, the participants expressed a positive opinion about the content of the program in general but stated that the program should be improved regarding gains and indicators, activity type, assessment, parent involvement, and adaptation. In addition, the participants found the program mostly qualified but expressed that it should be updated with new headings according to changing times and needs. Moreover, pre-service teachers found the program functional and guiding in general, but they said that it is not informative about educational approaches and children living in different environments. Finally, according to the participants, the program is comprehensive in terms of language, expression, and elaboration, but it needs more explanations and examples. In the light of these findings, it is thought that this research will contribute to the development and revision of the currently used ECE program.