Examining the Quality of Pre-school Education in Somali Regional State of Ethiopia

The purpose of this research was to assess the quality of early childhood care and education (ECCE) environment in Somali Regional State of Ethiopia. In the study, health, nutrition, personal care routine, protective care and safety, organization and management philosophy of preschool centres, and children’s experience and learning opportunities in preschool centres were examined. For the study, 37 pre-school centres were selected from five Zones of the Somali Regional State from which 44 pre-school teachers, 10 school principals and five Zonal level ECCE focal persons participated in the study. Questionnaire, interview, and an observation guide were used to collect data. The collected data was analyzed through one-sample t-test. The findings of the study indicated statistically significant differences between expected means and observed means of health, nutrition, personal care routine, protective care and safety practice, organization and management philosophy of preschool centres, and children’s experience and learning opportunities in preschool centres. Finally, based on the findings, conclusions and recommendations were drawn. Keywords: Quality; Pre-school environment; kindergarten; Somali Regional State DOI : 10.7176/JEP/10-22-03 Publication date : August 31 st 2019