Volume 15

INVESTIGATING GOVERNMENT COLLABORATION WITH THE CAREGIVERS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION SETTINGS IN ONDO STATE

IKUENOMORE, Mosunmola Grace Ph.D, OLUWAFEMI, Jesutofunmi Joy & OGUNLAJA, Ayokunnumi Emilola

Abstract

This study examines government collaboration with caregivers in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in Ondo State, Nigeria, with a focus on supporting skill development through collaborative efforts. Employing a qualitative research design, data were collected through structured interview questions directed at a stratified sample of 100 caregivers across various ECCE settings. The findings reveal that a significant majority of caregivers perceive government collaboration as positive and supportive, particularly through professional development training programs such as Reggio Emilia and Jolly Phonics. However, challenges were identified, including a lack of appropriate materials, ineffective supervision, and insufficient funding for public schools, which hinder the effective implementation of training outcomes. These obstacles underscore the need for enhanced government support and resource allocation to facilitate meaningful collaboration with caregivers. This study contributes to the understanding of the dynamics of government-caregiver partnerships and offers recommendations for improving collaboration and addressing the identified challenges.

Keywords

Early Childhood Education (ECE), Caregivers, Caregivers' Skill Development, Government Collaboration

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