By Kim Hyun-bin
The Ministry of Education (MOE) plans to ban English classes at daycare centers and kindergartens, following its recent controversial decision to scrap afterschool English classes at elementary schools.
In December, the ministry said it will abolish afterschool English classes for first and second graders when the 2018 term begins in March.
Officials believe starting English at a young age has little benefit and claim that it creates a great deal of stress for children.
“There are two main reasons the ministry is working to get rid of the program. Many experts believe the process of learning English is too stressful and less effective for young children.” said Kwon Ji-young, a director of early childhood education, at the MOE. “Secondly, English will be provided in classes starting in the 3rd grade, so English classes before this only become early preparation for elementary school.”
A daycare enforcement regulation under the Ministry of Health and Welfare allows foreign language classes to be taught at daycare centers. However, the government is now aiming to make changes.
“An enforcement regulation at the ministry allows foreign language classes after school; we need to get rid of it,” said Kwon Byung-ki, a director of the division of childcare policy at the ministry.
“Since it’s not law, all we need is the minister’s approval to take out the enforcement regulation.”
The ministries are both onboard to ban English classes at daycare centers and a final decision is expected to be made within the month.
There are around 40,000 daycare centers in Korea and 70 percent are members of the Korea Edu-care Association (KEA), which are strongly opposed to the ban.
“Banning the classes overall without the consent of parents or their views is absurd. We are against the move.” said Ryu Ho-young, a manager at (KEA) “We are scheduled to open a board of directors meeting Jan. 11 to come up with countermeasures.”
Many parents are worried that the ban will leave them no choice, but to put their children through private education.
“Even with the government ban on English classes, there is a good chance parents might consider sending their kids through private education, because most parents believe English is an important factor for them.” said Choi Sun-hee a teacher at a daycare center in Seoul.
Many experts are worried the ban could cause a balloon effect toward private education as more parents might choose this as an alternate option.