A study of parental involvement in preschoolers' academic work in Dandora educational zone of Nairobi county, Kenya

Abstract

This study is focused on the role of parental involvement in preschooler's academic work in Dandora Educational Zone of Nairobi County. The main objectives were; finding out the relationship between parental participation in preschool activities and preschooler's performance, influence of home-tutoring on performance, role of parents in modeling children's desired behavior on performance and how arranging for appropriate study time and space affects academic performance of preschoolers. The instruments used in collection of data included analysis of records, questionnaires and interview schedules. Pearson's correlation coefficient was also employed in determining the relationship between parental participation in various activities and preschooler's performance. The study found out that the various preschool activities that parents participate included; meeting attendance, communication with the school and vqlunteering influenced the " academic performance of preschoolers. The study also concluded that home tutoring activities such as motivating children and helping children with school work such as reading, colouring and number work affect the academic performance of preschoolers. It was also seen that parents cultivate the desired behavior of their children through either punishment, rewards and other methods of disciplining children to ensure that they become better performers in school and in life. Finally, the study concluded that arranging for appropriate study time and space contributes to the better performance of the preschoolers.