ABSTRACT

This study intends to identify characteristics of exemplary ESD practices in early childhood education for sustainable development (ESD) in Korea by analyzing 38 award-winning cases from ‘The Jaram Childcare Contest’ (2021–025). Through qualitative content analysis, the study examined ESD's core domains, children’s participation levels, and teaching and learning methods based on the 7R framework. It also explored collaboration among institutions, families, and communities. The findings reveal that most exemplary practices focused primarily on the environmental domain, often integrating sociocultural values such as respect, relationships, and community responsibility. The economic domain appeared less frequently. Children’s participation was generally moderate, with only a few cases in which children led the entire ESD process. Teaching and learning methods emphasized the sociocultural aspects of the 7Rs, particularly respect and rethinking, which highlights reflective and relational learning. Many practices attempted to extend ESD to families and communities, but the continuity and depth of collaboration varied. Overall, these results suggest that early childhood ESD in Korea is gradually moving toward more integrated and participatory approaches. However, continued efforts are needed to strengthen child agency and sustainable collaboration between families and communities.

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