Volume 15

IMPLEMENTATION OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION POLICIES: EXAMINING THE SHORTAGE OF TRAINED TEACHERS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN KWARA STATE

RAHEEM, Akeem Opeyemi, ADEDEJI, Grace Bola, AROWOREYIN, Yusuff Abdul Rasaq & GAFARU, Salaudeen

Abstract

This study examined the implementation of early childhood education policies in Kwara State, specifically
focusing on the shortage of trained teachers in public schools. The research adopted a descriptive survey design with a mixed-method approach (quantitative and qualitative). The population comprised 222 public early childhood education teachers, while the sample size was 141 respondents, selected using multistage sampling techniques involving simple random and convenience sampling. Data were collected using a proforma, an unstructured interview guide, and a self-developed questionnaire titled “Implementation of Early Childhood Education Policies and Teacher Shortage (IECEPTS).” IECEPTS was validated by experts in early childhood measurement & evaluation, and its reliability was established using Cronbach's Alpha, yielding a coefficient of 0.89. Ethical considerations were adhered to by including informed consent, confidentiality, and voluntary participation. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) and an independent t-test were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that only 33% of early childhood education teachers in public schools are qualified, highlighting a critical shortage of trained personnel. The study also found no structured policy provisions for teacher recruitment and deployment and no significant differences in perceived policy implementation challenges based on gender (p = 0.85) or school location (p = 0.889). The study concludes that systemic challenges such as poor funding, weak policy enforcement, and a lack of continuous professional development hinder the implementation of early childhood education policies. It recommends targeted recruitment, structured policy frameworks, increased funding, and equitable resource distribution to enhance early childhood education in Kwara State.

Keywords

Early Childhood Education, Policy Implementation, Teacher Shortage, Public Schools

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