MANAGEMENT PRACTICE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION CENTERS: IN HALABA ZONE, SOUTH NATIONS, NATIONALITIES AND PEOPLES REGIONAL STATE

<strong>ABSTRACT: </strong>The overall objective of this study was to assess management of Early Childhood Care and Education Center in Halaba zone, South Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Regional State. To achieve this objective, the study employed a cross sectional research design with mixed (quantitative and qualitative) approaches. Survey questionnaires were distributed to 151 randomly selected facilitators from six purposively selected early childhood care and education centers. In addition, 15 key participants were interviewed and six focus group discussions were conducted. The researcher had also conducted observation of selected early childhood care and education centers. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis tools namely frequency, percentage, mean and standard deviation, the findings of the study revealed that facilitators assigned in ECCE were not qualified in pre schooling. Physical learning environment of almost all ECCE centers were found to be below standard and not suitable to the child. Furthermore, in most of ECCE centers indoor and outdoor materials were not fulfilled. Teaching and learning process as well as assessment and parent facilitators communication not at standard level. Moreover, the role of stakeholders in managing and supporting ECCE was medium. Absence of trained and skilled facilitators, assistant and care givers; absence of professional development for facilitators, care givers; lack of curriculum based books like textbooks, teacher guides, syllabuses etc; absence of ECCE focal person, low interest of the community to preschool education, unsuitability of physical environment for most children with disabilities, lack of standardize class room space etc were majorproblems in managing early childhood care and education center. Therefore, strengthening integration of stakeholders, motivating facilitators by using different motivation packages, allocating enough budget, strengthen partnership and cooperation among major actors found to be imperative to effective management of ECCE centers in the study area.