Analysis of the Perceptions on Daycare Center Directors' Competence Based on the Q Methodology

Q 방법론을 활용한 어린이집 원장의 역량에 대한 인식 분석

Objective: This research examines the understanding of the competencies required from the director of a childcare center. It also analyzes the characteristics of the capabilities of a director of a daycare center. The research questions are as follows: First, what are the competencies of a childcare center director? Second, what are the characteristics of the competencies of a childcare center director? Methods: In this study, the Q methodology was applied. First, the Q population was identified based on prior studies and through open questionnaires and in-depth interviews targeting 71 teachers and directors of childcare centers. Next, 40 Q samples were selected. Second, P samples were selected targeting the 30 directors, Q sort was conducted, and the data were analyzed using the QUANL program. Results: The main results of this study can be summarized as follows. First, four types of competencies were demanded from the director of a daycare center. Second, the competencies required from the director of a daycare center were accountability-centered, functional-management-centered, human-relationshipcentered, and rationality-centered capabilities. Conclusion/Implications: The policy-level of and educational ways to support the competencies of a director of a daycare center were discussed.