AN EVALUATION OF THE ATTITUDE OF CHILD CARE GIVERS TOWARDS CHILD CARE PRACTICES IN NURSERY SCHOOL IN IJEBU-ODE, OGUN STATE

ABSTRACT This study examined the attitude of caregivers towards childcare practices in nursery schools in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. The study was carried out to assess the impact of caregivers on childcare practices, determine their attitudes, identify the challenges they encounter, examine the relevance of childcare practices to early childhood education, and determine the difference between children exposed to proper childcare practices and those who are not. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population consisted of caregivers and head teachers in selected nursery schools, while a sample of two hundred (200) respondents, comprising one hundred and fifty (150) caregivers and fifty (50) head teachers, was selected using a stratified random sampling technique. Data were collected through the use of questionnaires, structured interviews, and observation. The instruments were validated by experts, and a reliability coefficient of 0.76 was obtained using the test-retest method. Data collected were analyzed using simple percentage and frequency counts, while hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and t-test at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that caregivers have a significant impact on childcare practices and that their attitudes are generally positive. However, caregivers encounter challenges such as inadequate facilities, poor remuneration, lack of training, and overcrowded classrooms, which affect their performance. The study also established that childcare practices are highly relevant to early childhood education and that there is a significant difference in development between children exposed to proper childcare practices and those who are not. Based on the findings, it was concluded that caregivers play a crucial role in shaping children’s development and that improving their working conditions, training, and welfare will enhance childcare practices. The study recommended provision of adequate facilities, better remuneration, regular training, effective supervision, and increased parental involvement to improve the quality of early childhood education.