AVAILABILITY AND USES OF LEARNING FACILITIES IN EARLY CHILDHOOD SCHOOLS

ABSTRACT

This research work was carried out to assess the availability and uses of learning facilities in Early Childhood schools in Oredo Local Government Area , Edo State. A Descriptive Survey research method was used. The questionnaire was used to collect information from respondent. The instrument was validated by the researcher’s supervisor and two others at the Institute of Education, University of Benin. This was to ensure both face and content validity of instrument for the study. 30 copies of the instrument were given to teachers outside the sampled schools and the Cronbach reliability statistics was used and it gave a reliability index of 0.85 . The targeted population for the study consisted of Early childhood schools in Oredo Local Government Area , Edo State. A sample of 19 Early childhood schools was selected for the study. Data was collected and analyzed using frequency counts, mean, standard deviation and the independent sample test. The results showed that half of the Early Childhood Schools, majorly the private schools have adequate learning facilities that aids learning. Majority of the preschools have well ventilated classroom, outdoor play area which is necessary for learning to take place. The findings also showed that the learning facilities available in most pre-school are not adequate and most times not properly used. The study therefore, recommend that proprietors of Early childhood schools should make available appropriate and adequate learning facilities in the school and ,that the government and private owners of Early childhood schools should also ensure that the available learning facilities in preschools are properly utilized by staff and pupils.