Teachers' opinions on making preschool education compulsory

The aim of this research is to determine the opinions of teachers about making preschool education compulsory. Phenomenology pattern, one of the qualitative research methods, is used in the research. The study group of the research is determined based on the maximum diversity, one of the purposeful sampling methods. The study group of the research consists of 15 preschool teachers and 15 primary school teachers working in preschool educational institutions in Siirt city center. The research data are obtained through the "Semi-Structured Interview Form" which is developed by the researcher. A "Personal Information Form" is created to obtain demographic information, alongside the interview form. "Content analysis" method is used to analyze the data acquired in the research. As a result of the research, it has been determined that preschool teachers and primary school teachers are of the opinion that making preschool education compulsory will have a positive effect on children's cognitive, emotional-social, psycho-motor development areas and self-care skills and will be beneficial in terms of primary school readiness. On the other hand, teachers also believe that the country does not possess the required foundation and physical conditions for making preschool education compulsory, considering its current resources. Based on the results of the research, it has been determined that preschool and primary school teachers agree that the country does not have the required resources and is not ready for making preschool education compulsory. We have produced suggestions for researchers and implementers based on the research results.