Assessing parental motivation in enrolment of their wards at kindergarten in Akyemansa District.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess parental motivation in enrolment of their wards at Kindergarten in the Akyemansa District. This study was underpinned by positivist philosophy in line with quantitative research approach with a descriptive survey design. The population of this study comprises of all parents whose wards were enrolled at the public early childhood centres in the Akyemansa District. Sample size for the study was seventy-seven (77) participants. Simple random technique was used to select the kindergarten schools in Akyemansa District whiles purposive sampling technique was used to select the parents. Questionnaire was the main instrument used to collect data for the study. The study data was analysed by coding data using Software Package for Social Science and generated descriptive statistics such as percentage, frequency counts. The study found that the respondents had a very positive impression about kindergarten and maintained that children needed kindergarten experience prior to enrolling in primary school. This perception was borne out of the belief by the respondents that kindergarten prepares children for primary school. Finally, the study found that factors that motivated parents to enrol their children in kindergarten were the desire to prepare their children adequately for primary school. The study recommended that the State adopt measures that will improve communication with parents, strengthen collaboration between school authorities and parents, involve parents in decision making in schools, and strengthen school-community relationship in order to improve parental motivation and involvement in children’s education.