The Successes and Challenges of an Early Childhood Education Program in Punjab: A Qualitative Case Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21015/vtess.v10i2.1008Abstract
This study aimed to explore the successes and challenges encountered by the public Early Childhood Education (ECE) schools of Punjab. Using g convenient sampling technique, this study included six ECE headteachers and six teachers from urban and rural areas of Punjab. The study deployed self-developed semi-structured interview protocols which were validated through experts’ opinions. The respondents were asked about their practices to run ECE in their respective schools which include ECE infrastructure, advantages of ECE program in public schools, the usefulness of imparted training to in-service ECE teachers and headteachers, benefits of hiring and imparting training to caregivers, and suggestions for the improvement of the prevailing program. Thematic analysis was applied to obtain interview data. The findings of this study highlighted some challenges in the following areas: the shortage of rooms and staff, lack of budget, constant teachers’ training program, permanent hiring of caregivers, provision of ECE kit, and sustained monitoring system. The novelty of this study is based on the exploration of the perspectives of teachers and headteachers from rulers as well as urban areas of Punjab. The findings bear important implications for the QAED (Quaid-e-Azam Academy for Educational Development, school education department, Govt. of Punjab) and policymakers to review the current scenario of early childhood education in Punjab. The present study will encourage researchers to conduct more such studies, and policymakers to design policies that can benefit ECE programs to make modifications or strengthen their existing practices and services specifically in Punjab.
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