Abstract:
The study looked at the assessment of the Community Support Grant on Early
Childhood Development Centers, in Eldoret East District of Uasin-Gishu County. The
main objective of this study was to assess Community Support Grant (CSG) on Early
Childhood Development Education (ECDE) in the study Centres. The study was
based on a conceptual framework on the objectives of ECDE curriculum in Kenya
and how CSG fund enhanced achievement of the holistic development. The study
used a descriptive survey design. Combinations of qualitative and quantitative data
collection techniques were used. The instruments used were questionnaire, structured
interview and observation checklist. The research used purposive sampling in the
selection of the population where 72 respondents from 24 Centres were selected for
the research. The respondents were 2 ECDE teachers per school and a head teacher of
each of the ECDE Centres selected. The data was coded and analyzed by use of
measures of central tendency, that is, mean, mode and percentages. The analyzed data
was presented in tabular and graphical form. The researcher found out that CSG has
led to an increase in enrolment in ECDE Centres, teaching and learning materials
were found to be adequate and this has enhanced learning although the funding was
considered inadequate. There is therefore need to sensitize the community on CSG so
that it’s not mistaken with Free Primary Education (FPE). This will make parents to
offer support and to demand accountability from the administration. There is also
need for the Government to employ Early Childhood Development (ECD) teachers to
motivate them and to ensure efficiency in their delivery. The study will be of
Significance to the Ministry of Education and ECD development in Eldoret East
District. It will help the management committee of the CSG at the Ministry of
Education to consider the need of sourcing for more funds to improve on the teaching
and learning Environment. It will help the Ministry of Education to get feedback on
how the funds have been utilized, to streamline, and make better the running of CSG
fund.
