The role of parents in early childhood education in Cameroon

Abstract

This research aims to provide some suggestions for the role of parents in early childhood education in Cameroon. It also tries to create an awareness of the current state of educational structures and institutions that are available for early childhood education and to identify gaps where urgent attention is needed. Data for this study was collected through interview with the use of Skype. A stratified random sampling method was used and the focus groups were parents who live both in cities and the countryside. Analysis was carried out through content analysis, based on the perceptions from those interviews and the results are presented in terms of percentages. Based on the findings, the level of education of parents, their income levels and cultural awareness have a great impact on early childhood education. Those in the rural areas had more challenges than those in the urban areas and this affects on child performance. The availability of education and resources for learning is in limited supply. Despite these challenges, parental involvement in early childhood education has an overall positive effect and helps to build capacity for future development.