Evaluating the Quality of Parents’ Participation in Formalized Early Childhood Education in Lagos

This study evaluated the quality of parents’ participation in formal childhood education in Lagos, Nigeria. The research participants were the 300 parents categorized as educated and employed, educated and unemployed, and non-formally educated. The parents’ level of provision (nurturance) for the preschool child was examined on four basic frames that were encapsulated in two broad types of cares: academic and welfare. Using Univariate ANOVA results reveal no significant effect of parents’ categories on the quality of care for preschool children. Irrespective of their academic pedigree, parents altogether were concerned more about feeding the child and were less concern about academic support, enhancement of the child’s psychological balance, and child’s interpersonal relations. Overall, the parents provided low level of nurturance for their preschool children that may lead to a derisory life for a growing child. School managers are advised to provide early childhood education programmes not only for children but also for parents so as to enhance their ability to provide quality care that a preschool child needs. Replication of the study is to be carried out in other areas, and differences in environment and quality of life should be explored in future studies.

 

Keywords - quality of parents, pre-school children, education, Lagos