Parents' reasons for preferring 4-6 years old Kur'an courses (The case of Elâzığ province)

He Presidency of Religious Affairs is one of the leading institutions operating institutionally within the scope of non-formal religious education in our country. The Presidency of Religious Affairs, which serves many age groups, opened Qur'an courses for 4-6 years old in 2013 in order to meet the religious needs of preschool children in line with the demands and needs of the society. The aim of the research is to contribute to the development of 4-6 years old Qur'an courses by examining the reasons why parents prefer 4-6 years old Qur'an courses, their expectations from 4-6 years old Qur'an courses and their opinions about these courses. The sample of the study consisted of 305 parents of 305 children attending 13 4-6 years old Qur'an courses in the 2023-2024 academic year. The data on the reasons why parents prefer 4-6 years old Qur'an courses, their opinions and expectations about the courses were collected with a questionnaire developed by the researcher. The questionnaire included demographic information of the parents and questions about their opinions, expectations and reasons for pre-school education. In the research, descriptive analysis was performed and percentage, frequency and mean scores of the data were analyzed. When the results of the research are examined; Almost all of the parents think that religious education in 4-6 years old Qur'an courses in necessary. The fact that the child learns religious and moral values better is the main reason why parents prefer 4-6 years old Qur'an courses. When evaluating the physical factors that are effective in choosing a Qur'an course, parents found it most important to have toilets and sinks suitable for children. The most important feature they look for in the course instructor when choosing a 4-6 years old Qur'an course in that he/she is understanding, respectful and smiling towards children. Parents think that the course garden and classroom environment are moderate. Improvements can be made regarding the course garden and classroom environment.