FACTORS AFFECTING IMPLEMENTATION OF EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION IN PUBLIC CENTRES IN IMENTI SOUTH DISTRICT, KENYA

Abstract

Early Childhood serves the critical role of preparing young children for subsequent levels of Education. The study sought to determine the factors that affect the implementation of Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) Programme in Imenti South District. Data were collected from a sample of 297 respondents comprising of ECDE teachers and CMC members. The instruments for data collection were questionnaires for ECDE teachers, focus group discussion for CMC members and observation schedules. The validity of the instruments was established through piloting and expert opinions. A reliability coefficient of 0.81 for ECDE teacher’s questionnaires was obtained using Spearman Brown Formula. The findings indicated that parents had a positive attitude towards ECDE programmes. The study recommends that the Government should provide the required physical facilities and teaching and learning materials to enable proper implementation of ECDE programme and ensure that the centers have the required ECDE teachers. The findings will also help the education managers to understand the challenges faced by ECDE sub-sector and help it to acquire its rightful status.