Parental Involvement in Early Childhood Education in Punjab: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

This study was aimed to explore the perspectives of parents about the effectiveness of the ECE program and the provision of opportunities for parental involvement in the prevailing early childhood education program in public schools of Punjab. The qualitative research approach was deployed through the application of semi-structured interviews. Twelve parents from the rural and urban areas of Punjab were selected through the convenient sampling technique. Interviews conducted with parents highlighted the desire of parents regarding the need for quality ECE programs for children at an early age and the creation of a child-friendly environment in public schools. The participants of this study have complained about the reluctant behavior of teachers in public schools. Mostly, ECE teachers show less concern with the child’s performance in schools. Participants reported to be not informed about the daily performance of their children by school. The play has a vital role in the process of active learning. But public schools have not enough play facilities reported by the participants of this study. This study was a comprehensive report about the parental perspectives about ECE program in Punjab which will be very useful and informative for policymakers, researchers, and administration of the Quaid-Azam academy for education development, Punjab to modify the program according to the needs for achieving goals of ECE.