A study of the need for pre-schools in Umlazi
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Date
1989
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Abstract
The inadequacy of pre-schools in the Umlazi area poses a big problem for teachers and parents in the community. The writer being involved with a large number of schools, felt that the work of the teacher, especially in Sub-A, would be much easier if most of the children attended pre-schools before entering formal classes. A pre-scholar gets to primary school wide awake with a lot of experiences which contribute a great deal to primary school education.
Since the researcher is convinced about the need of more pre-schools at Umlazi, an investigation on the study was done. Firstly, it was to find out about the performance of pre-scholars from the teachers concerned, in the lower primary schools. Secondly, the study had to involve parents in finding out whether they were in favour of pre-schools and what the reasons were. Thirdly, an observation was made of the existing few pre-schools, and the personnel were interviewed and response recorded in this study.
One hundred and fifty (150) teachers were used as a sample. These were Sub-A, S.S.B., Standard 1 and Standard 2 teachers. Another population of 100 parents comprising various careers or professions was used.
Two types of questionnaires were administered, one to the teachers and the other to the parents to determine the need and effects of pre-school education on children. Five pre-schools were personally observed. Principals and teachers were verbally interviewed.
Data was collected and analysed manually by the researcher. The analysis of the results reflected that, over 50% of teachers stated that a pre-scholar was easily taught in class, and would prefer admitting more of such children. Most parents were eager to send their children who were under 5 years to pre-school, but these institutions were very few. They recommended that, the number of these be increased and be spread out in the Umlazi area for every child to be admitted in a nearby pre-school.
The principals of the existing pre-schools stated that they were working under difficult conditions. There was overcrowding of children, the problem of unqualified teachers, and very low salary scales. The present situation could only improve if the government or the Department of Education and Culture (Kwa-Zulu) would register and subsidise the institutions.
Finally, this investigation proved that there is a need for pre-schools in the Umlazi area. A number of suggestions are given with the hope that, if implemented, the Umlazi community will benefit thereby.
Description
Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Education in the Department of Educational Planning and Administration, University of Zululand, 1989.
Keywords
Pre-school education.