Assessment of Community Based Early Childhood Care Centers in Improving Enrolment and Quality Learning in Nigeria

Abstract

The study x-rayed the implementation of 20 Community Based Early Childhood Care centers purposively selected in Bauchi and Gombe states. The aim of the study was to ascertain the situation in the centers regarding enrolment, quality and quantity of learning facilities, equipment, and teachers. A descriptive research design with three research questions guided the study using quantitative and qualitative approaches. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data collected through the use of enrolment proforma, questionnaire and observation checklist. The data was analyzed using frequency counts and charts. The major findings show high level of enrolment of male and female children in all the centers with no significant difference between the male and female children. There was collaboration between SUBEBs, communities and UNICEF in the establishment of the centers. Indoor and outdoor learning materials were grossly inadequate across the 20 CBECC centers in the 2 states. Learning centers provided by the communities were inadequate and not conducive for effective learning while basic facilities like toilets and sources of portable water were lacking in most of the centers. Most of the teachers have NCE as their highest qualifications but not related to Early Childhood Education and their number is inadequate. In order to improve on the quality, relevant workshops were organized for some of them by UNICEF. Recommendations made among which is the need for more collaboration between the communities and other relevant stakeholders to raise more funds to ensure a more child friendly environment in the CBECC centers.