Preschool Teachers’ Perception on the Effects of Insecurity in Learners’ Access to Early Childhood Development Centers

Abstract

The purpose for this study was to explore Preschool teachers’ perception on the effects of insecurity in Learners’ access to Early Childhood Education Centers. Objective was to determine teacher’s perception on the effects of insecurity in learners’ access to ECDE centers. Phenomenological research design was employed in the study. Utilizing a theoretical lens, this study targeted 254 respondents that consisted of 53 head teachers, 120 ECDE teachers, 80 Parents and a sub county ECDE officer. The sample constituted of 16 head teachers, 36 ECDE teachers, 24 Parents and a sub county ECDE officer selected through Stratified sampling, purposive and saturated sampling techniques. Interview schedule, Focus Group Discussion Guide and Document Analysis Guide were used to collect data. Trustworthiness and authenticity of qualitative data was enhanced by using multiple sources. Data was analyzed thematically. The findings of the study may provide greater insight to both the National and County governments to adopt a holistic approach aimed at adhering to safety standards and guidelines in schools. The study found out that insecurity has reduced expected returns to early childhood schooling in Garissa since education is unlikely to be viewed as a value-enhancing commodity in a conflict-prone area as well as problems in harmonization of school calendars. It was also found out that teachers who felt unsafe at school due to potential violence tended to be unmotivated and less committed to their job. The study concluded that insecurity was a really problem to quality preschool education. The study recommended that Garissa County government should enforce regulation on establishment of ECDE centres that can easily be monitored and provided with sufficient security in Garissa, cultural sensitization should be done by the local teachers and experienced non-local teachers to new non-local recruits to address this issue. A study on implementation of security and guidelines in preprimary schools would expound the understanding of the current study.