Perception of Parents of Their Involvement in Children’s Learning Activities in Preschool

Education

Early childhood development is a significant issue in the global aspect as well as our national context. In order to achieve SDG target Bangladesh Government has taken many initiatives regarding early childhood development. It is widely believed that quality early childhood development is associated with parental involvement in children’s learning activities. Researchers and educators have found significant relation between Parental involvement and children’s academic success. As Epstein (2011) mentioned that there is a link between parental involvement and children school success. In Bangladesh perspective Comprehensive Early Childhood Care and Development Policy 2013 has emphasized on family and community involvement in early childhood development. Considering the importance of parental involvement in children learning activities in preschool this study was conducted to explore the perceptions of parents regarding this issue as well as to know parents roles and their barriers of involvement.Parents of 5to 6 years old children and preschool teachers were the population of the study. 16 parents and 2 teachers were selected as sample from two different preprimary schools (one government preprimary school and one non government preprimary school). This study is followed by four main research questions.Study reveals that there is a variation of parents understanding towards early childhood development. Many parents’ belief that children’s early development begins from age5, however few parents think that their main role is to drop and pick up their children from school. Regarding their role many parents mentioned that they have no opportunity to play any role in the classroom activities. They communicate with teacher to know information regarding their children’s study and learning progress. They attend PTM to discuss children’s study related issues and also they participate various school functions to encourage their children.Study reveals that the main barriers of parental involvement in learning activities are business with work, lack of awareness and poverty however many parents reported that lack of opportunity to involve is also an obstacle for them. Regarding parents involvement interviewed teachers think that parents’ involvement is significant in children learning activities. In order to provide them idea about children’s learning activities it is important to provide them opportunity to observe classroom activities. They also stated that the engagement of parents in work and lack of awareness are main challenges for parents to involve in school activities. They think teacher- parent relationship and parents’ awareness need to promote to overcome these challenges.The study recommends that a country wide sensitization campaign program need to implement for school and communities showing the importance of parental involvement in children learning activities .There is a need for advocacy at administrative and different level for policy development and implementation. A guideline need to be prepared on how to provide opportunity for parents to involve in children’s learning activities in school. A collaborative approach between teacher and parent also need to ensure parents engagement in school learning activities.

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