Preservice Early Childhood Teachers’ Awareness and Educational Need for No Kids Zone

No-Kids Zones have become an issue regarding children’s rights. Preservice teachers are the ones who realize children’s rights in the future education field. Therefore, it is important to examine what perceptions preservice teachers have regarding No-Kids Zones and children’s rights. Accordingly, this study was conducted to examine the perception and educational needs of preservice teachers regarding th No-Kids Zone. To this end, nine preservice teachers attending S University in Gyeonggi-do were selected as participants. Data collection was conducted through two in-depth interviews each from March to June 2024. Interview data were analyzed according to the qualitative content analysis procedure. The derived research results are as follows. The preservice early childhood teachers' perception of the No-Kids Zone was found to be 'Experienced, but I don't know yet, I unconditionally oppose the No-Kids Zone, it's uncomfortable, but a No-Kids Zone is necessary'. The educational demand related to the No-Kids Zone appeared as 'a situation-oriented education that meets the eye level so that consideration and love are expanded, not discrimination and hate, for parents, infants, and members of society'. Based on these results, this study discussed ways to move toward a society that respects children's rights. First, it is necessary to educate preservice early childhood teachers to improve their capabilities as subjects who respect children's rights. In addition, there is a need for improvement in child rearing and parental education on etiquette in public places. It is required to improve social awareness to create a community free of discrimination and hate. Finally, there is a need to revise the law to promote children’s rights.