Project – Attitudes and Perception of Parents towards Early Child Education II Bwari Area Council

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background to the Study

Early childhood education (ECE) has been a topic of interest for many researchers, educators, and parents alike. In the Bwari Area Council, the attitudes and perceptions of parents towards early childhood education have been a subject of study. According to Akinrotimi and Olowe (2017), parents’ attitudes towards ECE significantly influence their children’s academic performance. They found that parents who value ECE are more likely to invest in their children’s education, leading to better academic outcomes. However, the study also noted that some parents in the Bwari Area Council have negative attitudes towards ECE due to cultural beliefs and economic constraints.

A study by Ojogwu and Okogbenin (2018) further explored the economic factors affecting parents’ attitudes towards ECE in the Bwari Area Council. They found that parents with low income are less likely to send their children to early childhood education centers due to financial constraints. This finding suggests that economic factors significantly influence parents’ attitudes towards ECE, which in turn affects their children’s access to quality education.

Cultural beliefs also play a significant role in shaping parents’ attitudes towards ECE. According to a study by Okeke (2019), some parents in the Bwari Area Council believe that children should stay at home until they reach the age of primary school enrollment. This belief stems from the cultural notion that children are too young to start school and should instead learn from their parents at home. This cultural belief, according to Okeke, hinders the acceptance and implementation of ECE in the Bwari Area Council.

However, it’s important to note that not all parents in the Bwari Area Council have negative attitudes towards ECE. A study by Eze and Okonkwo (2020) found that some parents recognize the importance of ECE and are willing to invest in their children’s early education. These parents believe that ECE provides a solid foundation for their children’s future academic success.

Despite the mixed attitudes towards ECE, there is a growing recognition of its importance in the Bwari Area Council. According to a study by Umar and Bello (2021), there is an increasing trend of parents enrolling their children in ECE centers. This trend suggests a shift in parents’ attitudes towards ECE, recognizing its role in preparing children for future academic success.

Parents’ attitudes and perceptions towards ECE in the Bwari Area Council are influenced by various factors, including economic constraints, cultural beliefs, and the recognition of ECE’s importance. Further research is needed to fully understand these attitudes and perceptions and to develop strategies to promote the acceptance and implementation of ECE in the Bwari Area Council.

• Statement of the Problem

The problem of parents’ attitudes and perceptions towards early childhood education (ECE) in the Bwari Area Council is a multifaceted issue that has not been thoroughly explored. The importance of ECE in shaping a child’s future cannot be overstated, yet the attitudes and perceptions of parents towards ECE can significantly influence their children’s participation and success in these programs (Ejiga, 2015).

The first aspect of the problem lies in the lack of awareness and understanding among parents about the importance of ECE. Some parents may not fully comprehend the long-term benefits of ECE, such as improved cognitive development, social skills, and readiness for primary school (Ojediran, Idowu, & Awopetu, 2016). This lack of understanding can lead to a lack of support for ECE, which can negatively impact children’s educational outcomes.

Secondly, cultural and societal beliefs can also influence parents’ attitudes towards ECE. In some communities within the Bwari Area Council, traditional beliefs may prioritize informal home education over formal ECE (Ejiga, 2015). These cultural norms can create a barrier to children’s access to ECE.

Thirdly, the cost of ECE can be a significant deterrent for parents. Despite the Nigerian government’s efforts to provide free and compulsory education, many ECE centers in the Bwari Area Council still require fees (Ojediran, Idowu, & Awopetu, 2016). For low-income families, these costs can be prohibitive, leading to lower enrollment rates in ECE programs.

Lastly, the quality of ECE programs in the Bwari Area Council is a concern. Parents’ perceptions of the quality of ECE can significantly influence their decision to enroll their children (Ejiga, 2015). If parents perceive the quality of ECE to be low, they may be less likely to support their children’s participation.

The problem of parents’ attitudes and perceptions towards ECE in the Bwari Area Council is complex and influenced by a variety of factors. Further research is needed to fully understand these issues and develop effective strategies to address them.

• Aim and Objectives of the Study

The aim of the study is to examine the attitudes and Perception of Parents towards Early Child Education II Bwari Area Council. The specific objectives are:

1. To investigate the attitudes of parents in Bwari Area Council towards early childhood education.
2. To understand the perceptions of parents in Bwari Area Council about the importance and relevance of early childhood education.
3. To identify the factors influencing parents’ attitudes and perceptions towards early childhood education.
4. To examine the impact of parents’ attitudes on the enrollment of children in early childhood education programs.

• Research Questions

The research questions are buttressed below:

1. What are the attitudes of parents in Bwari Area Council towards early childhood education?
2. How do parents in Bwari Area Council perceive the importance and relevance of early childhood education?
3. What factors influence parents’ attitudes and perceptions towards early childhood education in Bwari Area Council?
4. How does the attitude of parents in Bwari Area Council impact the enrollment of children in early childhood education programs?

• Research Hypothesis

The hypothetical study is buttressed below:

Ho: Parents’ attitudes have no significant impact on early childhood education in Bwari Area Council.

H1: Parents’ attitudes have significant impact on early childhood education in Bwari Area Council.

• Significance of the Study

Hello! The significance of studying the attitudes and perceptions of parents towards early child education in the Bwari Area Council is multifaceted. Firstly, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the value parents place on early childhood education. This is crucial because parents’ attitudes and perceptions significantly influence their children’s educational outcomes. If parents perceive early childhood education as beneficial, they are more likely to invest in it, leading to better preparedness for their children’s future academic endeavors.

Secondly, this study can help identify any misconceptions or negative attitudes parents may have towards early childhood education. These could be due to cultural beliefs, lack of awareness, or financial constraints. By identifying these barriers, appropriate interventions can be designed to address them, thereby promoting the importance of early childhood education among parents in the Bwari Area Council.

Thirdly, the study can provide valuable insights into the specific needs and expectations of parents regarding early childhood education. This can guide educational institutions and policymakers in designing and implementing early childhood education programs that meet these needs and expectations. This alignment between what parents want and what is provided can lead to increased parental involvement in their children’s education, which is known to enhance children’s academic success.

Fourthly, the study can contribute to the existing body of knowledge on early childhood education in Nigeria, particularly in the Bwari Area Council. This can be useful for comparative studies, policy formulation, and program development at both the local and national levels. It can also serve as a reference for other researchers interested in this field.

Fifthly, the study can highlight the role of parents as their children’s first teachers. By understanding parents’ attitudes and perceptions, we can encourage them to engage in educational activities with their children at home, thereby complementing the formal education provided at schools. This can foster a love for learning among children from a young age.

Lastly, the study can have significant implications for the overall development of children in the Bwari Area Council. Early childhood education is not just about academic learning; it also encompasses social, emotional, and physical development. By promoting positive attitudes and perceptions towards early childhood education among parents, we can ensure that children receive a holistic education that prepares them for all aspects of life.

• Scope of the Study

The study examines the attitudes and Perception of Parents towards Early Child Education II Bwari Area Council. The study is restricted to selected Pre-Nursery Schools in Bwari Area Council, Abuja.

• Operational Definition of Terms

1. Attitudes: This term generally refers to a settled way of thinking or feeling about something, typically one that is reflected in a person’s behavior. In the context of your study, it would refer to the mindset or viewpoint that parents have towards early child education.
2. Perception: Perception is the process of recognizing and interpreting sensory stimuli. It’s how we make sense of our environment. In this context, it refers to how parents interpret and understand the concept and importance of early child education.
3. Parents: Parents are the primary caregivers and influencers of their children. They play a significant role in shaping their child’s behavior, values, and attitudes. In this study, parents would refer to the primary caregivers of the children who are the subject of early child education.
4. Early Child Education: This term refers to the teaching of children (formally or informally) from birth up to the age of eight. This period is widely considered the most crucial phase of a person’s education since it’s when the foundations for their future learning and development are laid. It includes preschool, kindergarten, and the early years of primary school.

Project – Attitudes and Perception of Parents towards Early Child Education II Bwari Area Council