Pre Primary

Early childhood development education is a crucial phase in a child’s social, psychological, spiritual, intellectual and mental development process. This is the foundation of a child’s schooling career and the basis from which the rest of their lives will be built on. Ensuring that your child receives the highest education as this pivotal stage is of the utmost importance.

The education system in Kenya

In 2017, the Kenyan Ministry of Education introduced a new education system into the country. The Competency-based Curriculum (CBC) replaced the old (8-4-4) system and spread learning into two, six, three and three (2-6-3-3) years.

The first level of education under CBC is at the pre-primary stage. It is divided into two levels:

Level 1 (Pre-primary 1) is for children aged four years.

Level 2 (Pre-primary 2) is for children aged five years.

In this early phase, the preschool education in Kenya covers the following learning areas:

• Language and communication
• Mathematics
• Environment
• Psychomotor (physical activity learning) and creative (music, arts and crafts)
• Religion

What are the challenges of Kenyan early childhood education?

As with many African and third-world countries across the globe, rural Kenyan schools and government led schools face many challenges in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE). These include inadequate teaching and learning resources, socio-economic factors, financial constraints as well as a high teacher-child ratio with poor remunerations.

1. Inadequate teaching and learning resources
   There are many ECDE centres across Kenya with inadequate teaching and learning resources and facilities - from a lack of properly ventilated classrooms and suitable furniture to safe, clean water, toilets and play material. Teachers lack adequate teaching and learning resources, which results in the inability to implement the ECDE Curriculum.
    
2.  Socio-economic factors
   A major factor associated in this regard is malnutrition and illness. These can damage the cognitive processing ability of a child. If a child is not adequately nourished and healthy, they struggle to grasp basic concepts and require extra hours of instruction. 
    
3. Financial constraints
   A lack of adequate funding for subsidised education, health care and school related expenses all have a negative impact on the implementation and success of the ECDE Curriculum.
    
4. High teacher-child ratio
   In many Early Education Centres, the teacher child ration is rather high. This negatively impacts the teacher’s ability to spend individualised time with their students.
    
5. Poor remunerations
   Teachers in the government sectors aren’t paid enough money to do their difficult jobs. This has a knock-on effect as many school leavers don’t follow the path of teaching.

Why is pre-school so important?

Pre-school education is critical in preparing children for primary education. Early childhood programmes have been created to provide a positive and early start for children. They help grow a child’s potential for lifelong adaptability, innovation and communication skills. These programmes also ensure the development of problem-solving skills, entrench the values of responsible citizenship and a respect for diversity.

How do you select the right pre-school for your child?

There are several factors to consider when choosing a preschool for your child.

1. School hours
   With many parents both working full days, choosing a school with the hours that suit your family’s schedule makes life easier.
    
2. Teaching methods
   There are various teaching methods on offer at schools across Kenya. From the Montessori curriculum to CBC, find out what the schools offer and what’s best for your child.
    
3. Schooling costs
   Affordability is one of the major factors in choosing a school. Ensure you strike a balance between a school you can afford and one that’s going to give your child the best foundation.
    
4. Facilities
   Formal education is just one part of the learning process. Children require much more to ensure that they receive a well-rounded education. Visit the schools you’re interested in and find out more about their facilities. Also bear in mind that if a pre-school is linked to or part of a primary school, you’ll only have to do one admission and your child can enjoy a seamless schooling career.
    
5. Speak to other parents
   Often the best way to find out about a school is to talk to other parents whose children attend it. This first-hand information will give you a holistic view of the school, its culture and offerings.
    
6. School work
   When visiting the schools, be sure to find out what work the learners do as well as the study material on offer.
    
7. Meals and sanitation
   Knowing what your child will be eating at school is important. Proper sanitation is also vital. Find out what’s on the menu, who assists with feeding the children as well as who takes them to the bathroom.