Research Report, No.216, 2020 (Total 5960) 2020-9-4

By She Yu, Research Department of Social Development, DRC & Liu Ying, Nanjing Normal University

Abstract: Research findings show that the quality of teachers is related to the quality of the preschool education courses and child development outcomes. And more and more OECD member countries are making efforts to enhance the quality of kindergarten teachers and make it the focal point in their preschool education reform. Their reform mainly includes the following measures. One, to promote the social status of kindergarten teachers and attract more talents into the education sector. Two, to set strict qualification requirements for kindergarten teachers in terms of related professional knowledge and skills. Three, to improve the salary, welfare and working conditions of preschool teachers and make their salary equal to that of primary school teachers. Four, to expand the channels for recruiting more preschool teachers and increase the human resources for preschool education. Five, to strengthen practice-based and pre-employment training and focus on the integration of theory with practice. Six, to encourage on-the-job training and professional development so as to enhance the teachers’ professional quality. China could draw on the following enlightenments from the above-mentioned measures to cultivate more high-quality teacher for kindergartens. 1. Efforts are needed to clearly define the working nature and social status of kindergarten teachers. 2. The welfare for kindergarten teachers needs to be improved. 3. The channels for recruiting kindergarten teachers need to be expanded. 4. The admission system for kindergarten teachers needs to be enforced. 5. The pre-employment training of kindergarten teachers needs to be intensified.

Keywords: kindergarten teachers, supply, high-quality, international experience