Home Environment and Dimensions of Development in Preschool Children in Debre Markos Town
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Date
2021-10
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AAU
Abstract
Home environment occupies the first and the most important place in laying the foundation for
the child’s personality. It is here that the basic developmental phases such as physical, cognitive,
social-emotional and language domains of development which strongly influence well-being
throughout life take place. The purpose of this study was to study home environment and
dimensions of development in preschool children in Debre Markos town. To achieve this
objective, the researcher used descriptive survey and correlation design, and both qualitative
and quantitative approaches were employed. Purposive sampling and stratified simple random
sampling were employed to select participants. The study was conducted on ten government
preschools found in Debre Markos town. The participants of the study were 294 parents and 10
preschool teachers. Data was collected using questionnaire and interview. Structured
questionnaire items for 274 parents and semi-structured interview questions for 20 parents and
10 teachers were also administered. Quantitative data obtained through questionnaire was
analyzed using mean, standard deviation, one-way ANOVA and regression. Whereas, qualitative
data obtained through interview and open-ended questions was analyzed using translation and
narration. Findings showed that there was positive significant relationship between the
independent variables (Physical, Social, Academic Support, and Psychological Environments)
and all dimensions of development. It also revealed that independent variables predicted
dependent variables. Based on the findings, there was direct relation between parents’
educational levels and child development. The findings also indicated that no significant
difference found between male and female respondents and job type of participants in all
dimensions of development. Low economic income, lack of awareness on home environment and
child development, and parents’ mis treatment of children were the major home environment
challenges. The government bodies, parents, policy makers and preschool teachers should take
the responsibility and create awareness about the importance of home environment for the
development of children.
Keywords: Home Environment, Child Development, Preschool Ch
Description
Keywords
Home Environment, Child Development, Preschool Children