Parents’ attitudes towards enrolling children in formal preprimary education in Mpererwe parish, Kampala district

Abstract

The aim of this study was to find out the parents’ attitudes towards enrolling their children in early childhood education in Mpererwe, Sekati Zone. The study sought to investigate parents’ understanding of the contribution of pre-primary education to children’s holistic development, parents’ awareness of existing ECDE services in their communities, and attitudes and practices towards providing pre-primary education to their children. The study utilized a qualitative research methodology and data was collected using an in-depth interview guide for parents and using in depth key informant guide for key informants like local leaders and teachers. The study established that early childhood education plays a key role in the holistic development of a child. Parents confirmed that the knowledge gained from early childhood education helps in transforming the emotional, social, physiological, intellectual and spiritual wellbeing of a child. Parents also stated that preschool education supports the children's social domain and prepares them for next levels of education. Parents also revealed that they were aware of the existing ECDE services in the community. Parents also revealed that they have a positive attitude towards providing pre-primary education to their children. The parents are also aware of the important practices needed to provide pre-primary education to their children. Parents revealed that they focus on collaborating with the nursery schools and always ensure that their children get all the required school materials, good welfare, and school fees on time. However, some parents find it hard to meet some school needs such as fees due to the high fees charged by some pre-primary schools around Mpererwe. It is therefore important for different schools offering ECDE services to maintain good collaboration with parents to ensure that a consensus is reached to offer ECDE services to the children. Collaboration can focus on ways of paying schools dues and understanding the responsibility of every stakeholder.