ENHANCING QUALITY AND EXPANDING ACCESS IN PRESCHOOL EDUCATION: THE EXPERIENCE OF DEVELOPED COUNTRIES

Abstract

 Preschool education plays a crucial role in the formation of a child’s intellectual, social, emotional, and physical development. In recent decades, many countries around the world have implemented large-scale reforms aimed at improving the accessibility, quality, and effectiveness of preschool education systems. This article analyzes the development and reform processes of preschool education in several leading countries, including France, Finland, Germany, South Korea, and Sweden. Special attention is paid to government policies, educational coverage rates, innovative pedagogical approaches, and institutional mechanisms that contribute to the improvement of early childhood education. The study demonstrates that developed countries prioritize universal access to preschool education, the introduction of child-centered teaching methods, and the professional development of educators. The findings highlight that investment in early childhood education significantly contributes to the development of human capital and long-term socio-economic progress. Therefore, strengthening preschool education systems has become a key priority in modern educational policy across the world.