Project – Teachers’ Qualifications and Their Influence on Preschool Children’s Cognitive Development in Surulere LGA, Lagos
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the Study
Early childhood education (ECE) is widely recognized as the foundation for lifelong learning, behavior, and health. It encompasses the care and education of children from birth to age eight and plays a pivotal role in developing cognitive, emotional, social, and physical skills. Among the various factors influencing early childhood learning outcomes, parental involvement is one of the most significant. According to Epstein (2001), parental involvement refers to the participation of parents in the educational processes and experiences of their children, both at home and in school.
Research evidence suggests that active parental engagement can significantly improve children’s academic performance, classroom behavior, and social adjustment (Fan & Chen, 2001). This involvement may include helping with homework, attending parent-teacher meetings, reading to children, and providing emotional support. In early years, such involvement is particularly important because children rely heavily on family support systems to reinforce learning that occurs in formal educational settings (Hornby & Lafaele, 2011).
In Nigeria, the emphasis on early childhood education has increased in recent decades, with the government recognizing the importance of foundational learning in national education policies. However, in many urban settings like Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State, disparities exist in the level of parental participation due to socio-economic differences, time constraints, and awareness levels. While some parents are deeply engaged in their children’s academic lives, others are minimally involved, often leaving educational responsibilities entirely to schools and caregivers. This variation has raised questions about the extent to which parental involvement affects children’s learning outcomes at the preschool level in this urban community.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Despite government efforts to promote early childhood education in Nigeria, learning outcomes among children in urban areas like Surulere are inconsistent. While some children exhibit strong literacy, numeracy, and social skills by the time they enter primary school, others struggle with basic competencies. One hypothesized factor behind these disparities is the level of parental involvement in the child’s education.
Existing literature emphasizes the role of parents in early childhood development, yet there is limited empirical data specifically focused on Surulere LGA. Furthermore, few studies have explored how different types of parental involvement—academic support at home, attendance at school functions, communication with teachers—impact specific learning outcomes such as language development, early numeracy skills, and classroom engagement. Understanding this dynamic within the local context is crucial for designing effective early childhood policies and interventions.
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The main objective of this study is to examine the impact of parental involvement on early childhood learning outcomes in Surulere LGA, Lagos State.
The specific objectives are to:
Identify the types and levels of parental involvement in early childhood education in Surulere LGA.
Assess the learning outcomes of children in selected early childhood centers in Surulere.
Analyze the relationship between parental involvement and children’s learning outcomes.
Determine the challenges hindering parental involvement in early childhood education in Surulere.
1.4 Research Questions
The study will seek to answer the following research questions:
What forms of parental involvement are most common among parents of preschool children in Surulere?
What are the observed learning outcomes among children attending early childhood centers in Surulere?
What is the relationship between parental involvement and children’s learning outcomes?
What are the barriers to effective parental involvement in Surulere LGA?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
The following hypothesis will be tested in the study:
H₀: There is no significant relationship between parental involvement and early childhood learning outcomes in Surulere LGA, Lagos State.
H₁: There is a significant relationship between parental involvement and early childhood learning outcomes in Surulere LGA, Lagos State.
1.6 Significance of the Study
This study is significant for several reasons. First, it provides empirical evidence on how parental involvement influences children’s educational progress during early years. Second, the findings will be valuable to educators, school administrators, and policymakers seeking to improve early childhood education in urban Nigerian settings. Third, it will guide parents in understanding their critical role in shaping their children’s academic success. Finally, NGOs and educational support organizations can use the insights to design more effective community-based interventions aimed at promoting early childhood learning.
1.7 Scope of the Study
The study will be confined to Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos State and will focus exclusively on parents and children enrolled in early childhood education centers. The research will cover both private and public ECE institutions, targeting children aged 3 to 6 years, their parents, and their teachers. It will assess multiple dimensions of parental involvement and measure children’s learning outcomes using both observational tools and academic assessments.
1.8 Operational Definition of Terms
Parental Involvement: The active participation of parents in the educational development of their children through various means such as home tutoring, school visitations, and communication with teachers.
Early Childhood Education (ECE): Structured educational programs designed for children from birth to age six.
Learning Outcomes: Measurable knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors that children demonstrate as a result of educational instruction.
Surulere LGA: An urban local government area in Lagos State known for its dense population and mixed socio-economic demographics.
References