Determinants of readiness of children transiting from home to pre-school in Kabete Zone

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the determinants of readiness in children transiting from home to pre-school in Kabete zone. Three research questions were formulated to guide the study. Research question 1 sought to determine the factors that contributed to readiness among preschool children. Research question 2 sought to determine the relationship between parents level of education and readiness of pre-school children while Research question 3 aimed at determining the factors that influenced readiness of pre-school children. The target population comprised of headteachers teachers and parents from8 pre-schools. This study employed descriptive study. The data collected during the study was coded and presented graphically. From the study it emerged that parents played a major role in preparing children for pre-school by providing necessary care that contributed towards school readiness.

It was also revealed that quality child care and educational programs improved child readiness outcomes while access to health care and the quality of care impacted on child outcomes accordingly. The early childhood development (ECD) programme playa crucial role in laying foundation for further education and character formation research evidence revealed that a child fastest growth in physical, mental, and social emotional traits takes place during the age of 0-5 years. The findings have shown that activities that children engage with when at home prepare them for preschool readiness. It has also been established that parents should also prepare their children for preschool by providing balanced diet and also training them to be social so as to adjust quickly in the preschool programme. This is in agreement with Brofenbrenners ecological tbeory(1998) It was further reported Children Act (2001) should be followed as shown by 2(25%) of the parents who suggested that those parents should be taken and charged in a court law according to the Acts.

However teachers were of the opinion that the parents level of education affect readiness of children transiting from home to preschool but 1(12.5%) of head teachers disagreed with the statement. It was further noted all parents 8(100.0%) agreed to the statement that pre-school education was necessary as it help children on readiness. It was also noted all teachers 8 (100%) faced challenges relating to children unpreparedness prior to pre-school since some refused to talk while others were not able to express themselves. From these Findings this study recommended that more emphasis should be put in preparing children for the school readiness by all stakeholders, to ensure that children get best out of it.