The purpose of this study is to examine the current status of parent education programsand to
identify directions for future tasks. The data, which included recent 3 years’ annual reports, internet
homepage resources, and personal interviews, were collected from 10 childcare information centers in
Seoul. The findings suggested that there were no significant changes in quantifiable measures of parent
education programs over the past 3 years. A total of 743 parent education programs were offered with
the following topics, in the order of frequency: play methods appropriate parenting general education;
child development; health, safety, and nutrition; childcare policy; and parent professional development.
The programs were offered in the following formats, in the order of frequency: one-time group lecture;
one-time experiential workshop; short/long term regular meetings; and home/workplace/center visitations.
In addition, it was found that expects on child development and/or special topics were most preferred
by parents, and the programs were mostly scheduled for weekday morning or afternoons. It was also
found that the programs targeted the following groups, in theorder of frequency: both parents; parents
and children; and fathers and children. By analyzing the trends and relationships of current parent
education programs’topics, formats, providers, schedules, and targeted groups, this study aimed to
identify directions for future parent education programs that meet the needs of parents as well as
policy.