Exploring Headteachers' Struggles in Overseeing Kindergarten Education at Basic Schools: An In-Depth Study in Awutu Senya East Municipality

Abstract

This study explored the the challenges facing headteachers in managing kindergarten schools in the Awutu Senya East Municipality. Using a descriptive survey design, a structured questionnaire was administered to 76 headteachers who were selected through census technique. A five-point Likert scale questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used to analyse the data obtained. The data highlighted several challenges facing headteachers in managing kindergarten level of basic schools, and these included large class size, inadequate teaching and learning resources, inadequate support from PTA and SMC, lack of professional training in supervision and management for headteachers, lack of co-operation among members of staff among others. It, therefore, recommended that the the Ministry of Education should ensure timely release of capitation grants to support the provision of the needed school resources and upgrade of teaching personnel. Also, there should be a liaison with corporate organisations who as part of the corporate social responsibility can attend to some pertinent needs of the school as identified in the various encountered challenges by headteachers.