​1. Research Goals and Methods

■ Research Background and Goals

￮ Before the full institutionalization of the Ministry of Education’s Neulbom School Program as part of the national public childcare system, this study leverages the transitional period to overhaul overlapping and duplicative childcare programs across ministries. This will be accomplished by realigning the roles and functions of relevant ministries and institutions to streamline the overall system while incorporating region-specific conditions and the childcare needs of dual-income households.

￮ This study further aims to develop operational frameworks for more efficient and integrated implementation of existing childcare policies by strengthening inter-agency coordination and collaboration among field personnel across ministries and institutions. 

■ Research Content

￮ We reviewed previous studies on the efficient operation of multi-ministerial childcare policies and analyzed the progress of childcare policies pursued by the central government and Jeonbuk State. We also examined best-practice cases for efficient operations and derived relevant implications.

￮ We assessed the current landscape of elementary childcare programs in Jeonbuk and identified stakeholder policy demands to improve service delivery and streamline program operations. Based on our analytical findings, we presented strategic roadmaps for establishing efficient operational frameworks and detailed action tasks, with coordination and collaboration between the Jeonbuk Provincial Government and Jeonbuk State Office of Education as a prerequisite.

■ Research Scope and Methods

￮ (Scope) This study covered 14 cities and counties from March to December 2025. 

￮ (Methods) We employed the following research methods: literature review, administrative data analysis, case studies of growth-support policies in other local governments (e.g., governance), statistical analysis based on Statistics Korea data, in-depth interviews, and expert advisory sessions. 

2. Conclusions and Policy Recommendations

■ Master Roadmaps to Establish Efficient Operational Frameworks for Jeonbuk’s Childcare Policy

￮ (Establishing Legal, Institutional, and Administrative Foundations) Owing to the fragmented multi-ministerial structure involving the Ministry of Education (Neulbom School Program), Ministry of Health and Welfare (Community Child Centers and All-Together Care), and Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, overlaps and blind spots in service coverage across target groups, operating hours, and program content have become entrenched, exacerbating administrative inefficiencies. Accordingly, the realignment of functions and responsibilities and regulatory and institutional reforms at the regional level are required.

￮ (Developing Region-Based Integrated Operational Frameworks) Ordinances must be invoked to institutionalize multilayered governance structures, linking the Jeonbuk Government and Office of Education, municipal governments and local education offices, and schools, communities, and related institutions. Furthermore, structural continuity and enhanced implementation capacity must be ensured through a three-year “Comprehensive Childcare Support Plan” jointly formulated by the Governor and Superintendent of Education. 

■ Master Roadmaps to Establish Efficient Operational Frameworks for Jeonbuk’s Childcare Policy

￮ (Establishing Legal, Institutional, and Administrative Foundations) Owing to the fragmented multi-ministerial structure involving the Ministry of Education (Neulbom School Program), Ministry of Health and Welfare (Community Child Centers and All-Together Care), and Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, overlaps and blind spots in service coverage across target groups, operating hours, and program content have become entrenched, exacerbating administrative inefficiencies. Accordingly, the realignment of functions and responsibilities and regulatory and institutional reforms at the regional level are required.

￮ (Developing Region-Based Integrated Operational Frameworks) Ordinances must be invoked to institutionalize multilayered governance structures, linking the Jeonbuk Government and Office of Education, municipal governments and local education offices, and schools, communities, and related institutions. Furthermore, structural continuity and enhanced implementation capacity must be ensured through a three-year “Comprehensive Childcare Support Plan” jointly formulated by the Governor and Superintendent of Education. 

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