| dc.description.abstract | This section presents the key and important issues of this study. The issues
captured includes purpose of the study and its objectives, significance of the
study, the major issues captured in literature review including theoretical
framework. It also gives an overview of the methodology, the main findings of
the study and its major recommendations.The purpose of this study was to
examine factors influencing childrens' access to ECDE center in Nyandarua South
District. The objectives of the study were; to analyze the trends of enrolment of
children at the ECDE centers in Nyandarua south district, examine how the
amount of fees charged at ECDE centers affect access to the centers, Analyze
how head teachers and ECDE teachers level of qualification and training in
education affect childrens’ access to ECDE centers in Nyandarua, South district
Kenya, to establish the extent to which teachers’ level of remuneration affects
childrens’ access to ECDE centers in Nyandarua south district Kenya and
determine how parental income levels affects children’s’ access to the
centers.This study is of significance to various stakeholders and organizations in
the education sector. The ECDE centers faced with challenges that may have led
to low access such as financial problems may be cited easily for financial
assistance. The stakeholders in the ECDE sector including the government will be
informed of the factors that hinder access to ECDE provision and therefore will
be able to readdress the issues in concern. The department of economics of
education is be made aware of the main issues affecting ECDE in Nyandarua
South District hence may encourage for more research on these factors in other
parts of the country.The literature revealed looks at related literature in relation to
childrens’ access to ECDE centers. It highlights important points in relation to
definition and importance of ECDE, the global situation of ECDE provision,
current states of resource allocation to ECDE in Kenya, legislations and policies
guiding provision of ECDE, development o ECDE in Kenya, dropout and
wastage, government efforts towards improvements of education as a mandate of
the ministry of education and the factors affecting learners enrollment to ECDE.
The study was based on educational production function theory as advocated by
Coleman (1996) and Psacharapolous and Wood (1985) which states that inputs
are expensed in given proportions to produce good results. . The study adopted a
description survey design to establish factors affecting children’s access to ECDE
centres in Nyandarua south District. The study targed a population of 48
headteachers and 98 ECDE centre teachers in the District out of which a sample
of 14 headteachers and 30 ECDE Teacher was selected for study. Data was
collected using questioners, coded and classified into major themes from which a
summary report was made. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive
statistics supported by fables, graphs and percentages. Data analyzed formed the
basis of research findings conclusions and recommendations for further study. The results obtained from the headteachers and ECDE teachers shows that –
children’s access to ECDE in Nyandarua south is below 100% .This is brought by
a number of factors some of which were the subject of this study while others
were not researched on. In view of these findings the research recommends that
inorder to achieve vision 2030 and education for all:The government should
provide free ECDE programmes to promote children’s access to the programmes .
i. The ECDE teachers should be well remunerated as per their qualifications
and experience in order to motivate them.
ii. Parents should be sensitized on the importance and benefits of ECDE.
iii. The researcher also suggests for more research on other factors that affect
children’s access to ECDE in the district and on the same factors in other
districts, counties or the whole country. | en |
