The role of preschool education in the integration process of children from the perspective of Syrian families: The case of Iskenderun

In this study, the effect of preschool education of Syrian children in the process of integration into society was investigated. The research topic was determined as 'The Role of Preschool Education in the Integration Process of Children from Syrian Families from the Perspective of Syrian Families: İskenderun Example'. A detailed literature review was conducted under subheadings to examine the role of preschool education in the integration process encountered after migration. Conceptually, migration and its types, the legal status of the migration, consequences of forced migrations, post-migration education processes, problem behaviors encountered in the preschool period, adaptation process of Syrian children to preschool education, educational barriers, and detailed information about the number of Syrian students in state schools were discussed. The study group of the research consists of the parents of Syrian students who receive education in state-affiliated preschool classes and kindergartens in Hatay İskenderun district. Data were obtained using qualitative research methods with a total of 30 parents participating from 10 different schools. The data of the research were obtained with a semi-structured interview form prepared in the light of the research question. In this context; firstly, the integration process of children through preschool education from the perspective of Syrian families was investigated. What kind of changes were experienced before and after preschool and school, the role of school in the face of language problems, and the importance of preschool education in adapting to the new cultural structure and integrating into society were interpreted by families. At the end of the research, it was determined that preschool education has positive contributions to children's integration in the findings obtained from the literature review and Syrian families' perspectives. Syrian families stated during the interviews that not knowing the language is the most common problem that makes integration difficult. The Syrian families who participated in the study stated that preschool education has positive contributions to their children's learning of Turkish in a short time. At this point, the participants stated that parents also learned some words from their children who learned Turkish during the preschool education process. As a result; In this thesis, the role of preschool education in the child's integration process was investigated. It is aimed to reveal that this process contributes positively to the integration of children into society. Keywords: Syrian students, integration, importance of preschool education