Parent involvement in early childhood development in Kwazulu Natal
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Authors
Bridgemohan, Radhika Rani
Issue Date
2001-11
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Parent involvement , Early childhood development , Reception year , Epstein typology , Parenting , Communicating , Volunteering , Learning at home , Decision making , Collaborating with the community
Alternative Title
Abstract
This study on parent involvement in Early Childhood Development in KwaZulu Natal
investigates the experiences of educators and parents of the different types of parent and
community involvement as set out in the Epstein typology. In order to investigate this
phenomenon a thorough background of the theory and practice of the Epstein model has been
provided. In addition the work of other researchers that support the Epstein typology of parent
involvement forms an integral part of the discussions. As parent involvement is the key focus
of the study, parent involvement in education before and after 1994 are discussed. In this
regard relevant educational policy and legislation that are designed to increase the role of
parents and the community in Early Childhood Development are highlighted. Parents' role in
the provision of Early Childhood Development is explored. The provision of Early Childhood
Development in KwaZulu Natal, which provides a backdrop for the investigation, is explained.
In addition contextual factors that influence parent involvement in KwaZulu Natal are
provided. The research methodology and the research design used in this study are described
in detail. By means of a qualitative approach the experiences of a small sample of educators
and parents in Early Childhood Development are explored using the six types of parent
involvement that include parenting, communicating, volunteering, learning at home and
collaborating with the community as set out in Epstein's comprehensive model. The
experiences of educators and parents of Grade R learners of the six types of involvement have
been included. Although all schools engage in some form of parent involvement, it is evident
that not all schools involve parents in all types of parent involvement to the same extent. The
study concludes with recommendations for developing strategies to involve parents more
effectively in Early Childhood Development in KwaZulu Natal.
Description
Citation
Bridgemohan, Radhika Rani (2001) Parent involvement in early childhood development in Kwazulu Natal, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/15946>