Early Childhood Education Degree programme for Non-State Higher Education Institutes in Sri Lanka – Need Survey

Abstract

Early Childhood Education (ECE) is the foundation of education which helps to develop the child’s cognitive, emotional, and physical aspects. Unquestionably ECE educators play a vital role. Hence, teacher education in early childhood context is very important. However currently in Sri Lanka only very few state universities conduct Bachelor of Education in ECE and Primary Education and while other Non-State Higher Education institutes (NSHEIs) offer Early Childhood Education degrees affiliated to foreign universities. Further, presently no NSHEI offer the Ministry of Education or University Grants Commission approved degree in Early Childhood Education. Hence in this context objective of the study is to investigate the need for the Bachelor of Education ECE Degree programme at NSHEI in Sri Lanka. Study conducted in one of the prominent NSHEIs (ABC institute) in Sri Lanka. Therefore, Case study method adopted, and quantitative measures have been complemented with the qualitative measures. Sample size is seventy-five student teachers at ABC institute. This is a survey research and data collection methods are questionnaire for student teachers and key informant interviews conducted with some key stakeholders in the state universities and three preschool owners in Colombo district. Results of the study revealed that benefits of the ECE Degree to students and for the country and emphasized it is very crucial to commence the ECE programme as it provides more opportunities to students since few opportunities and capacity restraint in state universities. Furthermore, study highlighted that ninety six percent student like to start ECE Degree and if the institute commence the programme ninety percent student would like to join the programme. Therefore, study can be concludedthat ABC as a NSHEI there is a good potential and opportunity to proceed with the ECE Degree and contribute to the foundation of the education in the country which add value to the system.