Factors Influencing Enrolment Of Children In Early Childhood Education In Imenti North Sub-County, Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors that influence enrolment of Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Imenti North Sub County. The study objectives were; to establish how access to teaching and learning resources influence the enrolment of early childhood education in Imenti North Sub-County, to assess how free primary education influences the enrolment of early childhood education in Imenti North Sub-County, to determine the influence of transitioning of ECE learners to primary school level on enrolment of early childhood education in Imenti North Sub-County, and to establish the extent to which teachers’ remuneration level influence children’s enrolment to Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) in Imenti North Sub-County. This study used the descriptive survey design. The sample consisted of 1 Data Quality Assessment and Standards (DQA&S) Officer, 62 head teachers and 72 ECE teachers. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guide. Validity of the instruments was assessed through being scrutinized by the specialists in the area and supervisors from the department of Educational Administration and Planning and reliability was assessed by use of the test-retest method. Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social sciences (SPSS) in the form of descriptive statistics, which included frequencies and percentages. The researcher presented the data in tables, bar graphs, and pie charts. The study established that most of the ECDE centres in Imenti North Sub-County do not have adequate teaching and learning resources. The study concluded that inadequate teaching and learning resources affected enrolment of ECE in this particular region. Further, the findings of the study revealed that FPE led to the decline of enrolment of learners in ECE through transfer of ECE infrastructure to primary schools, less frequent supervision of the centres because of concentrated focus on FPE, and difficulties in resource mobilization for ECE. Moreover, the findings revealed that the needs of primary school level required learners to enroll in ECE, thereby influencing the overall enrolment. The study findings further revealed that teachers’ remuneration affected their turnover and subsequent enrolment of learners in ECE. The Ministry should address the funding of ECDE in Kenya, particularly in the procurement of teaching and learning materials. The management of ECE centres should aid the development of more infrastructure through resource mobilization. The Ministry of Education through the Teachers Service Commission to employ ECE teachers and improve their remuneration to improve the staffing level of ECDE centres.