Current Conditions and Improvement Guidelines for Early Childhood Education Management in Schools under the Phitsanulok Primary Educational Service Area Office 3

Abstract

         This research article aimed to achieve two primary objectives as: 1) to examine the current issues in Early Childhood Education Management in Schools under the Phitsanulok Primary Educational Service Area Office 3 and 2) to investigate on the development guidelines for improving early childhood education management. This study employed a mixed-methods research design. The study involved of 152 early childhood teachers under the Phitsanulok Primary Educational Service Area Office 3 in the 2024 academic year. The sample was obtained through proportional stratified sampling based on the number of early childhood educators in each district. Data were collected using a questionnaire based on a 5-level rating scale, with data analyzed using mean and standard deviation. The key informants included four experts with knowledge and experience in early childhood education management. They were selected through purposive sampling using a stratified random sampling method. Data were collected using an interview form, with data analyzed through content analysis.

          The analysis results indicate that

          Phases 1: The examine on the current conditions of early childhood education management in schools under the Phitsanulok Primary Educational Service Area Office 3 revealed that, overall, the management was rated at a high level (  = 4.42). Among the six key aspects, home-school relationships received the highest mean score (  = 4.45), followed by the creation of a learning-conducive environment for children (  = 4.44). The lowest mean score was observed in the assessment of children's development and learning (  = 4.36).

          Phases 2 : The investigate on developmental guidelines for early childhood education management in schools under the Phitsanulok Primary Educational Service Area Office 3 identified a total of 18 guidelines, categorized into the following areas 3 guidelines on designing an appropriate curriculum.3 guidelines on creating a learning-conducive environment for children.3 guidelines on organizing activities that support children’s development and learning.3 guidelines on integrating learning.3 guidelines on assessing children's development and learning.3 guidelines on fostering home-school relationships.