Exploring Effective Management Strategies for Improving Early Childhood Education in Delta State, Nigeria

The study explored effective management strategies for improving early childhood education in Nigeria. Two research questions were raised in the study. The descriptive survey design was used. The study population was made up of 1,350 public Nursery School heads and 5,000 teachers in Delta State. A total number of 274 respondents consisting of 27school heads and 247 teachers were selected from 27 Nursery schools attached to public Primary Schools in Delta State. In selecting Public Nursery schools, proportional stratified sampling technique was used. 27 schools were selected from 9 Local Government Areas across the 3 Senatorial Districts in Delta State. Three Local Government Areas (LGAs) were randomly selected from each senatorial district given a total of Nine LGAs across the state. A self – designed questionniare titled “Management Strategies for Improving Early Childhood EducationQuestionnaire (MSFIECEQ)†, was validated and its reliability was equally determined through a pilot study using test re-test reliability technique with a coefficient index of 0.83. Each item was anchored on a Likert four rating scale of: Strongly Agree (SA), Agreed (A), Disagree (D) and Strongly Disagree (SD). The research questions raised were answered using simple percentage, mean score and standard deviation .From the findings, it was concluded that management strategies for improving early childhood education in Nigeria requires a multifaceted approach. The Nigerian government, private sector and international organizations must collaborate to address funding challenges, improve resources utilization and ensure equitable access. Based on the conclusion, it was therefore recommended that government and policy-makers should increase government allocation for early childhood education, encourage private sector investment through tax incentives and corporate social responsibility, encourage inspection and supervision of early childhood education centers, review the curriculum, foster community engagement and parental involvement.