The purpose of this study was to examine aspects of the college life of child-care center principals
who were in studying in a department of early childhood education at a college. The study
specifically focused on the motive for entering to college, higher education’s perceived worth and
difficulty of college life. In order to achieve purpose of the study, in-depth interview was conducted
with 7 child-care center principals currently studying in a department of early childhood education in
K Province. Colaizzi method, one of phenomenological qualitative research methods, was used for
analysis of data by tying common and general statements which describe subjects' views, making
them abstract, and then drawing meaningful statements based on these views. To these ends,
recorded interviews were transcribed, summarized according to meaning for re-statement, and classified
by subject into categories.
The results revealed that common motives for entering to college was to be prepared for
unification policy of early childhood education, to improve specialized knowledge, to be recognized as
an education specialist, and to prepare for a career change. Respondents reported that college life
provided increased knowledge of early childhood care and education facilities, enhancement of
interpersonal relations, and raised expectations of realizing their dreams. Finally, difficulties during
college life were lack of time for study, lack of time with family, and stress due to evaluations. On
the basis these results, recommendations for future study were suggested.