Policy-Practice Gap on the Implementation of the Pre-School Education, Selected Government Schools in Sebata City Administration

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Date

2021-08

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Publisher

AAU

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the essential process of preschools and to investigate the view point of the policy practice gaps in preschools. The study considered school principals, preschool teachers, expert from education office and parents of children. Using the purposive sampling technique, 2 preschool principals, 4 preschool teachers, 1 expert and 2 parents of children were selected from Alemgena and Mulugeta Gedle preschools in Sebata City Administrations in the academic year of 2020/2021. Data were collected through interview questions, focus group discussion guiding questions and observation checklists. The research design was qualitative approach guided by four research questions. Based on the essential questions of the study, prosperous information was obtained from the participants individually and in groups. Using the obtained data, the study tried to point out the policy practice gaps on the implementation of preschool education encountered. The data collected from the participants were categorized into themes and interpreted as a result. The study found that the accomplishment of holistic progress of children in the preschools were based on teachers’ understanding of the how to practice and implement preschools according to policy of preschool education and minimize the gaps. The study also exposed the lack of commitment of the government to promote preschools education to the desired level. Besides, findings of the study revealed that the appropriateness of ECE provision was challenged and there are unqualified stake holders (experts, principals and teachers) and lack of adequate physical learning environment and facilities as well as the large class size. It is recommended that to implement the policy practice, all stake holders must be well qualified and trained to assure quality education in preschools. By this reference, implementation of the preschool curriculum, teacher’s guide and textbooks must be found in the schools. Furthermore, lack of budgets and manpower should be revised regarding by city education office and government. It would be better if the government give attention to allocate ear marked budget and trained man power to support pre-primary schools and help them run their work independently to the required extent and give them awareness program about the use and objectives of preschool educations

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Keywords

Practice gaps and implementation of preschool

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