Registration policy and management of early childhood development centres in Nakawa division, Kampala capital city authority, Uganda

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to establish the extent to which ECO centres were adhering to the registration policy that guide the legal establishment and operation of ECO centres, identify challenges ECO centres face registration in complying with the ECO centre registration policy and how the policy influences management of ECO centres in Nakawa Division, Kampala Capital City Authority. The study was conducted by cross-sectional survey design using questionnaire and interview responses from 30 ECO Headteachers, I 0 ECO directors and I focal point person purposively selected from the accessible population. The data was analysed qualitatively with the help of percentages, themes and tables The study established that the ECO registration policy is not being adhered to, this was reflected in the few ECO centres fully registered , among other challenges faced in implementing the policy, inadequate financial resource was the major one. However the policy positively infiuenced the managerial roles of ECO centre managers mostly in the area of planning. The study in conclusion revealed stumpy adherence to the policy, majority of ECO centres are being established and run on provisional license exceeding the required period of time of two years. In view of the findings , the researcher recommends that; Inspectors should be vigilant and monitor ECO centres to ensure they comply with the policy requirement within the stipulated period, Ministry of Education and Sports should allocate adequate funds to heighten regular effective supervision in the centres. District FPs should spearhead comprehensive sensitization to enlighten stakeholders on the purpose of pre-primary education and the importance of ECO . Centre registration policy.