Denkar, Tshering. Teachers perceptions of early childhood care and development centers: effects on pre-primary students in Bhutan. Master's Degree(Curriculum and Instruction). Rangsit University Library. : Rangsit University, 2020.
Teachers perceptions of early childhood care and development centers: effects on pre-primary students in Bhutan
Abstract:
This mixed methods research aimed at investigating the effects of Early
Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Centers on Pre-Primary students
developmental skills through Bhutanese Pre-Primary teachers perceptions. The
students developmental skills were determined in terms of their gross and fine motor
development, emergent language and literacy, emergent numeracy, socio-emotional
development and approaches to learning. The respondents consisted of 35 teachers
teaching the Pre-Primary level across 14 schools in one of the western districts in
Bhutan.
The data collected through survey questionnaire and semi-structured interview
was analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis and thematic analysis respectively.
The findings revealed a high level (Mean=3.73) preparedness in the overall
developmental skills of the Pre-Primary students who attended ECCD Centers. In
addition, the study also confirmed that it was important for students to attend ECCD
Centers before starting the formal schooling because it contributed to enhanced school
readiness, academic performance, confidence, social skills and teaching-learning
process. However, maintaining the quality of ECCD Centers were suggested as essential
to ensure optimum benefits and to overcome the current challenges associated with
ECCD attendees.