Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2005. / The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from title screen of research.pdf file viewed on (July 18, 2006) Vita. Includes bibliographical references.

The aim of this work is to look into the issue of interpretation of the term public service in preschool education. The main goal is to find out how this service is understood by parents who use this service - whether their interpretation corresponds with the needs of children and to what extent they recognize the social mission of kindergarten. In addition, ttthe ambition here is to show the neccesity of change the traditional perception of education which has become part of market environment. Therefore the works highlights positive benefits of marketing management of school. The work is also focused on effective school communication as a way to reach the basic mission of school. Key words Kindergarten, public service, preschool education, school law, education goals, parents, communication, marketing