The Effectiveness of an Early Childhood Development Program in Khampom Sub-District, Kemmarat, Ubon Ratchathani

Abstract

The development of early childhood is an essential and perpetual process that requires attention from parents. Early childhood development programs for parents and guardians are intended to support children’s early growth processes. This research intended to 1) assess and compare the knowledge, attitudes, and skills possessed among members of an experimental group and control group before participating in the early childhood development program, 2) assess the knowledge, attitudes, and skills the control group gained after participating in the developmental program, and 3) assess the knowledge, attitudes, and skills gained among the members of the control group after participating in the development program  and determining the differences between outcomes of the experimental and control groups. Conducted as quasi-experimental research, the participants included 72 parents and guardians of young children. The research tools were 5-point rating scale questionnaires on nurturing in early childhood related to knowledge (IOC = .76, KR-20 = 0.96), attitudes (IOC = .91, a = 0.97) and skills (IOC = .93, a = 0.97) and the early childhood development program (IOC=.60 –1.00). Statistical analysis included percentages, averages, standard deviations, paired t-tests, and Independent t-tests. Results indicates 1) there was no significant difference in the knowledge, attitudes, and skills between the experimental and control groups before using the program, 2) there was a significant difference (0.01) in the level of knowledge, attitudes, and skills of the experimental group, and 3) there is a significant difference (0.01) between the two groups after using the program. The results are discussed and suggest that organizations related to early childhood care and development should engage parents and guardians to promote the use of early childhood development programs.