The Effectiveness of Early Childhood Education Program in Public Schools of Punjab

Abstract

Purpose: The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the current Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program regarding the facilities provided in Public Schools of Punjab. The study was quantitative in nature.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was quantitative in nature. Eleven districts out of fourteen districts of central Punjab were selected randomly. A self-developed checklist was deployed to collect data from public ECE schools of Punjab through a convenient sampling technique. The reliability of the checklist was measured through the pilot study with the Cronbach alpha value of 0.78. Quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistical techniques.
 Findings: Results of this study indicated that there was a shortage of separate allocated ECE rooms, trained ECE teachers, Care-giver, ECE kits, learning corners, teacher-made toys, portfolios, and furnished playgrounds. The results of this study further revealed that on average the enrollment and retention rate of katchi in the year 2018 is higher than the enrollment and retention rate in katchi of the year 2013.
 Implications/Originality/Value: This study was a comprehensive report about the ECE program in Punjab which will be very useful and informative for policymakers, administration of the Quaid-Azam academy for education development, Punjab to modify the program according to the need for achieving goals as well as researchers.