Effect of infectious disease response education on staff in early childhood care and educational institutions

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Objectives: This study developed and implemented a scenario-based training program to strengthen response competencies of teachers in early childhood care and educational institutions for gastrointestinal, skin, and respiratory infections in practice. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated using Kirkpatrick’s four-level model. Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. A total of 817 teachers completed the 2022 infectious disease response training by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Among them, 811 completed both pre- and post-1 surveys, 94 responded to the post-2 survey, and 9 participated in focus group interviews for qualitative evaluation. Results: The mean satisfaction score was 4.34±0.63 out of 5, and knowledge significantly improved ( F=15.40, p<.001). Competency scores increased from 83.58±7.66 at baseline to 92.83±6.05 and 90.86±5.88 at post-1 and post-2 ( F=51.59, p<.001). Workplace application scores averaged 3.82±0.86 at the individual level and 4.21±0.75 at the organizational level, while organizational contribution was 4.28±0.56. Qualitative findings identified standardized guidelines, case-based checklists, Q&A, and expert consultation as facilitators. Conclusion: The program was associated with positive changes in knowledge, competency, practical application, and organizational contribution. The results indicate the potential to establish a sustainable infection control education system grounded in standardized guidelines and case-based learning.