CHALLENGES OF CHILD PROTECTION POLICY IMPLEMENTATION IN KINDERGARTENS WITHIN MARGINALIZED AREAS OF ULAANBAATAR CITY, MONGOLIA

Javzandulam Batsaikhan, Buyanjargal Baatar

Abstract


This qualitative study explores the challenges faced by public kindergartens in implementing child protection policies in public kindergartens located in Ulaanbaatar’s marginalized ger districts. Using broken windows theory as a conceptual framework, the study highlights how neglecting minor systemic issues may escalate into serious risks for children in vulnerable contexts. Data were collected through document analysis of institutional child protection policies and semi-structured interviews with 24 kindergarten principals, 24 teachers, and 24 parents, selected through snowball sampling. Thematic analysis revealed five core challenges affecting policy implementation: teachers’ personal financial constraints, weak inter-organizational coordination, limited parental involvement, excessive workloads, and shortages of human resources. These challenges contributed to a pattern of passive engagement among educators, undermining the effectiveness of child protection efforts. The findings suggest that failure to address these institutional gaps may perpetuate hidden forms of violence and neglect, reinforcing the need for proactive, well-supported implementation strategies.

 

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child protection, kindergartens, broken windows

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejes.v12i11.6264

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