Abstract

This research attempted to describe the play policies in preschool institutions in Ankara, Turkey. The aim of this study is to determine the approaches of the preschools to the children’s play. “Play Policy Questionnaire” administered to all directors and teachers of 20 public preschools and 20 private preschools. Play policy of each preschool was obtained and compared. The data was analyzed by frequencies, percentages and chi-squares. Chi-square analyses showed significant differences in some of the items such as the duration of the play, the budget for the play materials, play environment. The results indicate that we cannot talk about a play policy in preschools in Ankara. The Minister of Education in Turkish Republic has a curriculum for preschool institutions but the institutions and the teachers are following their own programs and making their own choices especially for play.

Key words: Play-policy, children’s play, kindergarten, preschool education, Turkish children