A Survey To Determine Parents Attitudes Towards The Establishment Of A Pre-School In Progreso Village

Abstract

This study investigated parents’ attitudes toward the establishment of a pre-school in Progreso Village, Corozal District, Belize. Motivated by observed difficulties among infant students who had not received early childhood education and by growing parental interest, the researcher sought to determine whether parents perceive a need for a pre-school, are willing to support and cooperate with such a program, and understand its educational value. A descriptive survey design was used, employing a structured questionnaire administered to a randomly selected sample of 30 parents of pre-school-aged children. The instrument collected demographic data and measured attitudes using Likert-scale items, including both positive and negative statements about pre-school education. Data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, and mean scores. Results indicated a strong consensus that there is an urgent need for a pre-school in the village, that pre-school prepares children socially, emotionally, and academically for primary school, and that children who attend pre-school perform better later on. Most parents expressed willingness to send their children, pay a contribution fee, and cooperate with teachers in pre-school activities, and preferred that a trained teacher lead the program. The study concludes that establishing a pre-school in Progreso is both desired and likely feasible, and recommends that the Ministry of Education and the Pre-School Unit collaborate with parents and community leaders to create a play-based, developmentally appropriate pre-school program in the village.