Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate and analyze the needs of early childhood teachers in order to improve their competencies for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). Methods: Two hundred fifty-four early childhood teachers working in the B area responded to a questionnaire developed by the researcher, assessing the importance and performance of various competencies. The data were analyzed using the Borich demand model and the Locus for Focus model. Results: First, in terms of educational needs by category, the competency to implement ESD was identified as the highest priority, followed by understanding the value of ESD and the economic aspects of ESD content. Second, 17 items were identified as the top priority for educational needs in each detailed item, and 6 items were identified as the next priority. Conclusion/Implications: By directly analyzing the needs of early childhood teachers to improve their competencies for ESD, this study was able to identify the competencies required to enhance ESD for young children. Additionally, it provided a basis for discussing the direction of teacher education for early childhood teachers in the context of ESD.

Objective: This study examines the generational characteristics and job perceptions of early childhood teachers from Generations X, M, and Z. Methods: Seventeen teachers were selected based on their career and the types of childcare centers they worked in. Focus group interviews explored their job perceptions, teaching methods, career intentions, and strategies to attract future teachers. Results: The results revealed both positive and negative generational perceptions, with Generation X and M noted for diverse job experiences and Generation Z for digital skills. Individual differences were also observed. All generations reported low job satisfaction due to societal perceptions and environmental changes. Many teachers plan to change jobs. The study suggests utilizing generational strengths for peer support to enhance professional development. Conclusion/Implications: Furthermore, improvements in societal perception and treatment of childcare jobs are needed to attract future teachers. The findings suggest implications for enhanced intergenerational communication and collaboration in the childcare field.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the direct effect of organizational health, as perceived by childcare teachers, on their turnover intention, and to examine the mediating effect of work-life balance on the relationship between these two variables. Methods: The subjects of this study were 345 childcare teachers working at 45 childcare centers located in Gyeonggi-do. Descriptive statistics, factor analysis, reliability analysis, and Pearson correlation analysis were performed using SPSS 21.0. Additionally, the mediating effect was verified using the PROCESS Macro, and bootstrapping was performed to confirm the significance of the indirect effect. Results: First, there was a significant negative correlation between the organizational health of childcare centers, the turnover intention of childcare teachers, and their work-life balance. Second, it was found that work-family balance completely mediated the relationship between the organizational health of childcare centers and the turnover intention of childcare teachers, while work-leisure balance and work-growth balance partially mediated the relationship between these two variables. Conclusion/Implications: This study provides essential data for examining ways to lower the turnover intention of childcare teachers by addressing both individual and organizational dimensions.

Objective: This study aimed to determine whether preschoolers' self-compassion mediates the effects of mothers' emotional expression and self-compassion on preschoolers' emotional regulation abilities in children aged 4 to 6 years. Methods: The study included 305 mothers residing in City J who were raising preschoolers aged 4 to 6. Data collected were analyzed for the significance of the mediating effects among the main variables using the GLM Mediation Model in the JAMM package of the Jamovi 2.3.16 statistical program. Results: Firstly, statistically significant positive and negative correlations were found among the main variables. Secondly, preschoolers' positive self-compassion was found to partially mediate the relationship between mothers' positive emotional expression and preschoolers' emotional regulation abilities. Furthermore, preschoolers' negative self-compassion partially mediated the relationship between mothers' negative emotional expressions and preschoolers' emotional regulation abilities. Conclusion/Implications: This study identified parental and child variables influencing preschoolers' emotional regulation abilities and discussed intervention strategies for education and counseling to enhance these abilities.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to explore the experiences of early childhood teachers in teaching young children with language development delays. Methods: Eight early childhood teachers with experience teaching children with language development delays were interviewed. The collected data were analyzed through transcription, coding, and theme generation processes, resulting in three main themes and seven sub-themes. Results: First, early childhood teachers mentioned difficulties in communication due to language development delays, the need for communication support with peers, and a lack of support from families. Second, the guidance for young children with language development delays was provided by considering the characteristics of these children and through collaboration among various stakeholders. Third, early childhood teachers requested tailored training for teaching young children with language development delays. They also called for the establishment of a cooperative system among early childhood education institutions, families, and specialized agencies. Conclusion/Implications: Based on the research findings, a discussion was conducted on the support needed for guiding young children with language development delays, and suggestions were made for further research in this area.

Objective: This study aims to analyze parents' perception of the suitability of the 'Childcare Support Center (C.S.C.)' and the 'Early Childhood Education Promotion Institute(E.C.E.P.I)' as home care support service providers. Methods: The goals and content of the home parenting support service offered by the C.S.C. and E.C.E.P.I. were analyzes based on information collected from their websites, publications, and various promotional materials. There were categories into 18 services across 5 categories. Responses of 421 parents, gathered through a questionnaire developed with reference to previous studies, were collected and analyzed. Results: Parents reported high degree of suitability for the organizations they used. Those familiar with both institutions found E.C.E.P.I. more suitable overall. However the C.S.C. was considered particularity suitable by parents of children aged 0-2 years and by those with no prior experience with either institution. The perceived suitability of the two institutions varied by service, depending on factors such as the age group of the children, whether the parents lived in the metropolitan area, and whether they were part of a double-income household. Conclusion/Implications: These findings have practical implications for development of integrated policies for early childhood education and childcare, which should take into account parents' perceptions of the functions of institutions.

Objective: This study aims to implement an ecological transition education program for young children, based on a project approach, to investigate its effectiveness in enhancing sustainable development awareness, ecological literacy, and problem-solving skills. Methods: In this study, 56 five-year-old children from a preschool in S City were assigned to either a quasi-experimental group or a control group, with 28 children in each group. The project-based ecological transition education program for young children was conducted from July 14 to September 15, 2023. The experimental group explored the themes of 'marine life' and 'pets and animal welfare,' while the control group focused on different topics. The research employed independent sample t-tests and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) for data analysis. Results: The project-based ecological transition education program effectively enhanced young children's awareness of sustainable development, ecological literacy, and problem-solving skills. Conclusion/Implications: This study is significant in developing an integrated, project-based ecological transition education program within a play-centered curriculum. It demonstrates how sustainable values can be effectively incorporated into play. Furthermore, the findings can serve as foundational data for implementing educational and childcare programs that nurture young children to become ecological citizens, leading sustainable futures.