Factors influencing parental decisions on the choice of early childhood education facility for their wards a survey of parents in Atomic hills ‘1’ basic schools

Abstract

The study investigated the factors that influence parental decisions on the choice of early childhood facilities for their wards at Atomic Hills Basic Schools. The positivist paradigm is informed by the philosophical position of the study. In line with philosophical position, a quantitative approach and descriptive survey research design were used. A sample of one hundred and fifty (150) parents were considered for the study. Questionnaires were used in data collection. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that personal/ideological factors that influence parental decisions on the choice of early childhood facilities were schools’ environment, school’s proximity, school’s high enrolments, fewer children in each class, academic performance of pupils, schools’ focus on skill development, availability of transportation and security of the facility. It also emerged from the study that economic factors influencing parental decisions on the choice of early childhood facilities were level of fees, affordability of fees, fee payment structure (flexibility of payment terms, mode of payment) and value-for-money services. Finally, the study established that there is statistically significant correlation between parents’ socio-economic status and their choice of early childhood facilities. Inherent factors to parental choice of ward’s preschool are multi-faceted. It is recommended that the school authorities should consider parents’ whose wards enrol in Atomic Hills schools view in all important management decisions concerning the school and the well-being of the pupils.