Parental involvement in early childhood education in Cambodia

Parental Involvement (PI) has been recognized as a crucial element improving Early Childhood Education. In some developing countries, parental involvement remains very low due to the limited understanding of PI and the school itself does not operate program/activities that get parents involved. The purpose of this study was to gain in-depth understanding of parents understanding of Parental Involvement (PI) among the parents from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and levels of Parental Involvement (PI) in rural areas of Cambodia. This study was conducted by using a case study method with six mothers in Preknorin commune, Battambang province, Cambodia. Through an open-ended interview, observation and field notes, this study sought to explore the understanding of Parental Involvement (PI) among parents from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and level of parental involvement .The findings of this study indicated that parents from diverse socio-economic backgrounds and levels of parental involvement have a broad understanding about PI. They define PI as supporting their childrens learning at home, nurturing their childrens physical well-being and active involvement that promote home-school collaboration. The findings confirm existing literature and add additional aspect to Epsteins Framework of Parental Involvement. Lastly, this study also suggested the integration of parental involvement activities in the schools program where activities should include particular trainings for parents. Last but not least, this study also proposed a framework to Parental Involvement in Cambodia