The Needs for Applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Private Kindergarten Administration in Bangkok under the Preschool Education Association of Thailand (P.E.A.T.)

This working paper investigates the needs for applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) in private kindergarten administration in Bangkok under the Preschool Education Association of Thailand (P.E.A.T.). Using a quantitative research design grounded in the Gap Analysis Framework, the study examines discrepancies between current and desired conditions across six administrative dimensions: Administrative Efficiency, Data Management and Analytics, Communication and Engagement, Instructional Support, Quality Assurance and Compliance, and Change Readiness and Professional Development. Data were collected from 175 administrators and analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Priority Needs Index (PNIModified). The findings reveal a substantial gap between current implementation (x̄ = 2.55) and desired conditions (x̄ = 4.58), indicating a strong demand for systematic AI integration. Instructional Support emerged as the highest priority (PNIModified = 1.01), followed by Quality Assurance and Compliance (0.98) and Data Management and Analytics (0.97). The results suggest that AI is perceived not merely as a tool for efficiency, but as a strategic mechanism for enhancing pedagogical quality, strengthening governance, and enabling data-driven decision-making. The study highlights the need for systemic alignment, infrastructure development, and professional capacity building to support sustainable AI adoption in early childhood education administration.