Paternal Involvement in Early Childhood Education

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This research was conducted at a local preschool located in Calamba City. It examined paternal involvement through father's participation in nine school activities for the school year 2016 -2017.

METHODS

The study was qualitative and employed a case study approach. Respondents answered survey-questionnaires. Twelve fathers were randomly selected from each category for a focus group discussion about their fathering perspectives and paternal involvement. From the pool of 62 fathers, 24 were identified as highly-participative, 20 were mid-participative and 18 were least participative. The activities that the fathers prefer or least preferred, and the factors they perceive that influence paternal involvement were identified.

RESULTS

The results suggest that fathers prefer activities that are family-oriented instead of those that require parental participation alone. Other characteristics, even from the mother and child such as age, educational attainment, employment status, sex, and age also influence paternal participation. It was found out that younger fathers who are employed with at least a college degree were more participative. Moreover, these fathers were more likely to be participative when their children are female from age 3 to 4. The majority of the father's reasons for non-involvement were issues about work, conflict in schedule and income while their reasons for involvement were topped by love and support for their child and feeling of responsibility.

DISCUSSIONS

It is recommended for the school to have activities on the weekend, integrate fathers with lessons and curriculum topics, conduct educational seminars and engage the parents in decision-making. Future researchers can address the limitations of the study such as husband and wife relationship and mothers' perspectives in relation to paternal involvement in early childhood education. Furthermore, it is also suggested that the study be conducted with more participants and bigger schools to capture a more in-depth review of Filipino parents' responses in a local early childhood education setting.