PREPARATION AND RETRAINING SYSTEM OF PRESCHOOL EDUCATION LEADERS IN JAPAN: SPECIFIC FEATURES

Abstract

Leadership in preschool education is increasingly recognized as one of the decisive factors in ensuring the quality of education and the effectiveness of the institution as a whole. In Japan, a unique system of training and retraining of heads of preschool educational institutions has been developed, which is characterized by high qualification requirements, mandatory continuous professional development and a strong management system. This article analyzes the main features of the Japanese model of training these managers. This is done based on statistical data and programme documents. Special attention is paid to such issues as stages of qualification pathways, retraining mechanisms, the procedure for ensuring quality and the influence of cultural values on managerial activity. If we look at statistical indicators, we can see that the level of coverage of early childhood education in Japan is high and the composition of managerial personnel in the field has relatively high qualifications. The research results show that Japan's systematic and culturally supported approach serves to ensure overall stability and quality in the preschool education system and provides useful information for international practice.