Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to assess practices and challenges of early childhood care and
education among kindergarten classes of government primary schools in jigjiga city
administration. The practice of early childhood care and education, the extent kindergarten
equipped with the necessary trained manpower, learning materials and over all indoor/outdoor
environments, stakeholders’ participation and challenges encountered of the programme
underway assessed. Qualitative research method was employed by analyzing Kindergartens.
Purposive and systemic sampling method was used to select key informants of the respective
schools. Thirteen Teachers and ten parents who are members of Parent Teachers Students
Association were selected using purposive and systematic sampling method respectively.
Besides, five principals and one early childhood care and education expert from Jigjiga city
administration education office were selected using purposive sampling method. Instruments
were Focus Group Discussion, interview and observation. The data gathered through interview
and focus group discussion were transcribed, analyzed, and triangulated. In addition, different
documents were consulted, summarized and described deeply. The findings of the study showed
that the sample kindergartens are not much conducive for all children due to narrow classes,
great number of children in the classes, low participation of parents, and stakeholders, Lack of
trained principals, teachers, experts and parent are great barriers to implementing Early
childhood Care and Education. Absence of experience sharing among kindergartens, limited
support system of education expert and collaboration of stakeholders are the other barriers of
the kindergartens. Finally, education office in the city should give an emphasis with professional
early childhood training like certificate, diploma and degree programme. Therefore, regional
education bureau and other stakeholders of the programme must support collaboratively by
creating effective and conducive environmrent for the children
