Curriculum Reform of Preschool Education Major in Universities: A Perspective from the Integration of Early Childhood Education and Care

Abstract

Under the background of the integration of early childhood education and care, there is an increasingly urgent demand for whole-cycle care and education for children aged 0-6. The cultivation of versatile professionals in “early childhood education and care” has become a key direction for the transformation of the preschool education major. Therefore, curriculum system reform serves as the critical approach for achieving this transformation. This study adopts a case study approach to analyze the talent training program and curriculum syllabi of the undergraduate preschool education major at N University, supplemented by interviews with faculty members. It aims to investigate the challenges encountered by the program in curriculum goal setting, curriculum structure design, the integration of childcare-related content, and the arrangements for practical courses. Finally, the study proposes a reform pathway for the curriculum system, which includes restructuring curriculum goals, adding childcare course modules, promoting the integration of childcare content, and strengthening practical courses.