LEVEL OF PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT AND CHILDRENS EDUCATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This paper provides solutions to the educational performance and the level of parental involvement in early 
childhood education in Nigeria. This study served as an eye opener to parents and the society in modifying their 
mode of parental involvement towards achieving a better future for themselves and their children notwithstanding 
their busy schedules and in some cases, inadequacy of resources. A survey approach was used through selfadministered questionnaires. The population stood at 250. A sample size of 159 parents were used for this study. 
The sample of the study was guided by research Advisor (2006). Simple random sampling technique was used in 
the selection of parents from primary education level and secondary education level in Zaria, Kaduna State. The 
questionnaires were distributed to primary and secondary schools, through the headmistress and principals. 
Analysis was done using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to test the hypotheses. Based on the findings of this work, 
it is vividly obvious that children are most likely to perform better in their early childhood education with adequate 
participation of parents. The paper concluded that the higher the level of education of parents, the higher the 
chances for their children to access early childhood education in Zaria Metropolis. The paper recommended that
Parents should improve the level of control and care of their children, show more interest and concern in the 
academic work of their children by providing conducive atmosphere for studies at home, providing materials for 
studies and helping the children in their studies and homework