Creating Awareness for Inclusive Learning of Parents and Caregivers through Early Childhood Education Programme in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examines creating awareness for inclusive education among parents and caregivers through early childhood education programme. Inclusive education is essential for providing equitable learning opportunities for all children, regardless of their abilities or socio-economic backgrounds. However, creating awareness for inclusive learning among parents and caregivers through early childhood education programs in Nigeria is a critical step towards ensuring equitable and high-quality education for all children. Despite the significant challenges such as inadequate funding, poor infrastructure, lack of awareness, and socio-cultural barriers, the potential benefits of fostering an inclusive education system are profound. Parental involvement plays a pivotal role in the educational and developmental outcomes of children. When parents and caregivers are actively engaged and informed about the importance of inclusive learning, they can better support their children’s educational journey. Effective early childhood education programs that incorporate community engagement and parental education can bridge the gap between policy and practice, leading to more inclusive and supportive learning environments. To achieve this, it is essential to increase public investment in early childhood education, enhance teacher training and professional development, and implement comprehensive awareness campaigns. These initiatives should aim to educate parents and caregivers about the significance of inclusive education and provide them with the necessary tools and resources to contribute effectively. Therefore, government should allocate more financial resources to early childhood education to improve infrastructure, provide adequate learning materials, and ensure the availability of specialized services and support for inclusive education. They should introduce incentives for private sector involvement and public-private partnerships to enhance the reach and quality of early childhood education