Abstract:
The objectives of this research were to study the roles and factors of District Administrative Organizations for the participation in home-based approach child development and to propose guidelines for such an effort. This research employed a documentary research and interviews of five administrators at the policy level, nine District Administrative Organization Administrators and twenty-seven parents or guardians. In this regard, three District Administrative Organizations receiving prizes in recognition of their exemplary participation in educational provision were selected as case studies. Data triangulation was pursued for the validity of data gained and analytic induction was used in analyzing the collected data. Findings were as follows : 1. The roles of the District Administrative Organizations were categorized according to the four main aspects of participation, i.e. budget, academic, personnel, and administration. According to the analysis, the District Administrative Organizations performed most in terms of the budget; however, it was not well perceived by the community, whereas the other three were relatively less focused by the District Administrative Organizations. It was expected by interviewees that the District Administrative Organizations should coordinate more with other agencies and concerned individuals alike for the strength of the district area. 2. Factors affected most the participation of the District Administrative Organizations in home-based approach child development are visions of administrators, understandings of personnel, and needs of parents or guardians. 3. Guidelines for the participation of District Administrative Organizations in home-based approach child development are: 3.1 With regard to the budget aspect, District Administrative Organizations should make budget plans accommodating projects for home-based approach child development. In addition, those District Administrative Organizations allocated relatively higher budget may set up early childhood development center for children under three years of age, actively participated by parents and guardians. 3.2 With regard to the academic aspect, District Administrative Organizations should support concerned agencies in terms of budget and facilitation for educating their own staff as well as parents and guardians. 3.3 With regard to the personnel aspect, District Administrative Organization staff, community leaders, and community health volunteers should be well trained prior to the participation to gain visions and trust from the parents or guardians. 3.4 With regard to the administration aspect, District Administrative Organizations should study and collect basic data, problems, and needs of the community prior to the participation aiming for public relations and integrated efforts of all parties concermed