THE INFLUENCE OF PARENTAL PERCEPTION ON EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION CHOICES IN PAKISTAN

Abstract: Aim: The purpose of this study was to analyse how parents’ decision making process of early childhood education choices in Pakistan is influenced by parental perceptions. Theory: The theoretical framework used for this study is Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory. Method: A qualitative design survey together with one to one interview of 8 parents of children aged 3-5 years enrolled in private and public ECE programs was used to answer four research questions on parents’ decision making for ECE selection. Results: The study revealed that Pakistani parents relied on personal priorities such as socio-economic as well as educational backgrounds, traditional views and expectations which influenced their decision-making process. Even though parents considered information from multiple sources they haphazardly ordered quality indicators without regard for the influence of any quality compromising indicator on their child’s development.