Perceived factors affecting the provision of Early Childhood Education in the Bolgatanga Central Municipality

Abstract

The study sought to investigate factors influencing the provision of Early Childhood Education in the Bolga Central Municipality. The study was guided by four research objectives which were to identify parental factors that influence ECE provision, identify school-related factors that influence ECE provision, investigate teacher related factors that influence ECE provision and determine pupil-related factors that influence ECE provision in the Bolga Central Municipality. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. The accessible population for the study comprised 100 ECE teachers in the Municipality. Census sampling technique was used to select the sample population for the study. Questionnaire with close-ended items was used to collect relevant data for the study. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools such as frequencies, percentages, mean and standard deviation with the help of Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. It was revealed in the study that, ECE teachers at Municipality believe and perceive parental factors, school-related factors, teacher-related factors and pupils-related factors to play critical roles in the provision of ECE, education of children and in the long run influence the academic performance of children. It was concluded that these factors are critical to the education and development of children as they influence the learning process and academic performance of children in the long run. It was recommended in the study that; the leadership and authorities of the schools in the Municipality should encourage parents to participate and be involved in the education of their wards. Also, the schools should provide the needed materials and create conducive environment for children learning. In-service training should be organized for teachers so as to abreast their knowledge and methodologies of teaching children