Thesis:

Influence of school related factors on implementation of early childhood development education programmes in Kakamega south subcounty, Kenya

Concerns have been raised over the state of the ECDE programmes implementation with regard to the negative teacher attitudes towards selection and use of instructional resources due to low remuneration, lack of time and demotivation. Thus, the purpose of the study was to investigate the school-based factors influencing the implementation of ECDE programmes in Kakamega South Sub- County, Kakamega County. The objectives of the study were to: Establish the influence of teaching and learning materials on the implementation of Early Childhood Development programmes in Kakamega South Subcounty, Kakamega County; assess the influence of teachers’ characteristics on the implementation of Early Childhood Development programmes in Kakamega South Subcounty, Kakamega County; determine the influence of instructional strategies on the implementation of Early Childhood Development programmes in Kakamega South Subcounty, Kakamega County; and find out the influence of learners’ characteristics on the implementation of Early Childhood Development programmes in Kakamega South Subcounty, Kakamega County. The information provided by this research will benefit policymakers, community members and academicians. It adopted a descriptive survey research design, with a target population of 4 ECDE Officers, 81 Head Teachers, 243 ECDE teachers and 243 ECDE Parents Representatives. The sample size of the study was 234 persons and stratified sampling technique was employed. The researcher collected data using questionnaires and interview guides. The researcher collected data using questionnaires and interview guides. The instruments were validated by the supervisors. Reliability of the instruments was determined through a pilot study, and thereafter, Cronbach alpha coefficients. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and presented in tables, while qualitative data analyzed in themes and sub themes and presented using quotations. The study established that school-based factors such as teaching and learning materials, teacher’s characteristics, instructional strategies and learners’ characteristics influence the implementation of Early Childhood Development programmes in Kakamega South Subcounty, Kakamega County. It was therefore recommended that there should be a consideration of school-based factors such as teaching and learning materials, teacher’s characteristics, instructional strategies and learners’ characteristics as this will enhance the implementation of Early Childhood Development programmes.