Abstract
The objective of this study was to develop a novel scale capable of psychologically evaluating supporting factors of job continuation for nursery school teachers. In pursuit of this objective, a questionnaire survey was devised and distributed to teachers currently employed in nursery schools. A factor analysis of the extracted data revealed factors, which were the basis of a novel Job Continuation Support Factor (JCSF) scale. Subsequent statistical analyses confirmed the validity and reliability of this scale. Of the factors, the sense of ibasho (being just oneself in a place where one belongs socially and psychologically) was found to be the most important factor in extending the period of employment of nursery school teachers. Other factors relating to work and training support systems were found to be of secondary importance and influential only when accompanied by the sense of ibasho. These findings suggested that nurturing the sense of ibasho is pivotal and should be prioritized to prevent nursery school teachers from quitting early. The results of this study should be confirmed by a larger sample size survey where salary-related factors are taken into consideration.
