An Investigation into the Rationale, Clarity of Policies and Timeliness of the Inclusion of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Programmes in Gweru Urban and Peri-Urban Primary Schools in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The paper discusses the experiences of the authors of the research conducted in Gweru urban and peri-urban primary schools. The objective was to investigate the rationale, clarity of policy and timeliness of inclusion of the four to five year olds in the formal schools. The study was conducted in five Gweru urban and peri-urban primary schools. Five school heads, 10 parents and 20 Early Childhood Development (ECD) teachers were purposely sampled. Data were collected using interviews, observations and checklists of the appropriateness of the outdoor and indoor play equipment. Findings showed that there is indeed need to include this age group in the public schools because this makes education accessible to all. The inclusion of four to five year olds in primary schools was not timely because the learners were learning and habituating in unsatisfactory infrastructure and generally the schools were unprepared for them in terms of personnel and play equipment. Since the study justified the need for ECD in the schools, it is however, recommended that a more appropriate environment be sought. It also recommended the need to staff develop ECD teachers and supervisors so that they would become craft literate and craft competent, enough to enable them effectively interpret, implement, monitor and evaluate ECD programmes and policies.

Mapping Implementation of National Curriculum for Early Childhood Education in Private Schools of District Gilgit

“…Pedagogical skills are a set of teaching techniques which offer opportunities for the gaining of knowledge, attitudes within a particular social and material context. Teaching methods employed by the teachers have an excellent effect on the quality of ECD programs as well as child holistic development (Chikutuma, 2013).…”

Peran Kelompok Kerja Pendampingan dan Perlindungan Anak GKJW Mewujudkan Gereja Ramah Anak

“…Penggunaan teori perkembangan psikososial Erik Erikson akan menolong para pendamping untuk mengetahui apa saja yang anak-anak butuhkan pada usia tertentu, sehingga hal ini akan bermanfaat untuk perumusan program yang bisa mendukung perkembangan anak-anak. 31 Melihat anak-anak dari perspektif perkembangan iman James Fowler dan perkembangan moral Kohlberg juga akan membantu pendamping menentukan metode apa yang bisa digunakan dalam usaha menanamkan nilai-nilai luhur dan membentuk karakter anak melalui pendampingan yang dilakukan. 32 Lester merumuskan ada beberapa hal yang anak-anak butuhkan dari pendamping pastoralnya.…”