5

Turkish Preschool Education Development Association

Known for its significant contributions to the development and improvement of early childhood education in Turkey
Turkish Preschool Education Development Association
Leadership team

Serap ERDOGAN  (President)

Secil CELIK (Secretary General)

Ülkü Büsra Ülkü AKIN ( Treasurer)

Ilknur ONCULER (Clerk)

Dr. Turker SEZER (Principal Member)

Headquarters
Ankara, Turkey
Region served
Turkey
Year stablished
1967
Social Media
Summary

The Association for the Development of Early Childhood Education in Turkey (Türkiye Okul Öncesi Egitimini Gelistirme Dernegi) is a non-governmental organization founded in 1967 with the aim of developing preschool education in Turkey, revealing the needs of preschool children, and conducting research for the benefit of children. 

The association has published a journal called "Preschool Education" for over 25 years and has collaborated with science councils, relevant ministries, and voluntary associations to guide research in preschool education. It also encourages parent education on child development and education, helps build libraries and playgrounds for children in Turkey, and supports the professional development of people working in preschool education. 

The association organizes regional and international conferences, and cultural activities, and promotes the opening of public and private preschools. The association is also the Turkey National Committee of Early Childhood Education World Organization (OMEP).

History

The Turkish Preschool Education Development Association (TOOEGD) is a non-governmental organization that was founded on February 10, 1967, with the aim of promoting the development and dissemination of preschool education throughout Turkey. Its founder is Mürüvvet Avni Özkan, who started the organization to provide a platform for educators, researchers, and policymakers to come together to improve the quality of early childhood education in the country.

In its early years, the TOOEGD (Türkiye Okul Öncesi Egitimini Gelistirme Dernegi) focused on conducting research on the education of young children and worked to establish collaborations with various scientific committees, relevant ministries, and voluntary associations to guide research in the field of preschool education. The organization also provided education to parents on child development and education, and it helped to establish libraries and playgrounds for preschool children in Turkey.

On September 11, 1972, the TOOEGD was appointed as the Turkish National Committee of the World Organization for Early Childhood Education (OMEP), an international organization that aims to promote the well-being of young children and their families. OMEP has been assigned a role as UNICEF's consultant, and the TPEDA has been working closely with OMEP to promote early childhood education in Turkey.

Over the years, the TOOEGD has undergone several changes in its leadership. For 18 years, Prof. Dr. Gelengül Haktan?r served as the chairman of the organization. After she left the presidency at the 50th General Assembly of the Association, Prof. Dr. Serap Erdogan assumed the task of the new president of the association.

The TOOEGD has also had several boards of directors, with each board serving a term of two years. The board members have included educators, researchers, and policymakers who have worked to advance the mission of the organization.

Today, the TOOEGD continues to promote the development and dissemination of preschool education throughout Turkey. It supports research on the education of young children, collaborates with various organizations and institutions to guide research in the field of preschool education, and provides education to parents on child development and education. The organization also works to establish libraries and playgrounds for preschool children in the country and supports the training of officials working in preschool education institutions to develop their professional knowledge. Furthermore, the TPEDA has extended its focus to the international platform, aiming to contribute to the development of preschool education globally.

Goals and Purpose

The Association for the Development of Early Childhood Education in Turkey (Türkiye Okul Öncesi Egitimini Gelistirme Dernegi)) was founded in 1986 with the aim of improving the quality of early childhood education in Turkey. The association is a non-governmental organization and operates as a platform for professionals and academics working in the field of early childhood education. The main goals and purposes of the association are:

  • To increase awareness of the importance of early childhood education: The association aims to increase public awareness about the importance of early childhood education for children's development and the long-term benefits it can have on society as a whole.
  • To improve the quality of early childhood education: The association works to improve the quality of early childhood education in Turkey by developing and disseminating best practices, promoting teacher training and professional development, and encouraging collaboration among stakeholders.
  • To advocate for policies that support early childhood education: The association advocates for policies that support early childhood education, such as increased funding for early childhood programs, improved teacher training and working conditions, and increased parental involvement in their children's education.
  • To promote research and knowledge sharing: The association supports research and knowledge sharing in the field of early childhood education in Turkey by organizing conferences, workshops, and other events where professionals can exchange ideas and best practices.

Overall, the Association for the Development of Early Childhood Education in Turkey aims to improve the quality of early childhood education in the country, increase public awareness about its importance, and advocate for policies that support its development.

Impact

The Association for the Development of Early Childhood Education (TOOEGD) in Turkey has had a significant impact on the field of early childhood education in the country. Since its establishment in 1993, the organization has worked tirelessly to promote quality early childhood education programs and support the professional development of teachers and educators in the field.

One of the key impacts of TOOEGD has been in the area of policy advocacy. The organization has worked closely with the Turkish government to promote policies that support the development of high-quality early childhood education programs. This has included advocating for increased funding for early childhood education, the establishment of national standards for early childhood education, and the development of comprehensive teacher training programs.

TOOEGD has also had a significant impact on the professional development of early childhood educators in Turkey. The organization offers a variety of training programs and workshops for teachers and educators at all levels, from preschool teachers to university professors. These programs are designed to provide educators with the knowledge and skills they need to create high-quality early childhood education programs that meet the needs of young children.

Additionally, TOOEGD has played a key role in raising public awareness about the importance of early childhood education in Turkey. Through its advocacy efforts and public outreach campaigns, the organization has helped to educate parents, caregivers, and the broader public about the critical role that early childhood education plays in the development and success of young children.

References
Turkish Preschool Education Development Association
Leadership team

Serap ERDOGAN  (President)

Secil CELIK (Secretary General)

Ülkü Büsra Ülkü AKIN ( Treasurer)

Ilknur ONCULER (Clerk)

Dr. Turker SEZER (Principal Member)

Headquarters
Ankara, Turkey
Region served
Turkey
Year stablished
1967
Social Media