Reasons for Parents' Reluctance to Register their Children in Public Education in Kindergarten in the State of Kuwait

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the reasons for parents' reluctance to register their children in public education and their preference for private education in kindergarten in the State of Kuwait. The study used the analytical descriptive methodology, and 311 questionnaires were randomly distributed to parents of children in private schools. This study found some recurring reasons for refraining from general education as follows: (a) The curriculum in public education does not include teaching foreign languages, (b) The frequent absence of children in public schools because of the lack of awareness of parents about the importance of the kindergarten stage, (c) The non-serious attitude of the Public Education Department in implementing the educational goals, (d) The inability of teachers to apply the curriculum in public education sector and understand the nature of the kindergarten stage, (e) The lack of after-school service programs and overcrowding of the students in public schools. The study recommends reducing the number of students in public schools, teaching foreign languages, like English, and raising general awareness among the teachers so that they would teach effectively. Keywords: Private Education; public education; kindergarten; reluctance to education; education; government education