DETERMINANTS OF PARENTS’ SATISFACTION WITH THE QUALITY OF PRE-PRIMARY EDUCATION IN ILALA DISTRICT, DAR ES SALAAM REGION, TANZANIA BY DAPHINA LIBENT E83EA/22945/2011 EARLY CHILDHOOD STUDIES DEPARTMENT A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY (EARLY CHILDHOOD STUDIES) IN THE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION OF KENYATTA UNIVERSITY MAY, 2015 DECLARATION I confirm that this research thesis is my original work and has not been presented in any other university/institution. The thesis has been complemented by referenced works duly acknowledged. Where text, data, graphics, pictures or tables have been borrowed from other works-including internet, the sources are specifically accredited through referencing in accordance with anti-plagiarism regulations. Signature:……………………... Date:…………………………… Daphina Libent E83EA/22945/2011 We confirm that the work reported in this thesis was carried out by the candidate under our supervision as University supervisors: Signature…………………………. Date:……………….………….…. Dr. Esther Waithaka Department of Early Childhood Studies School of Education Kenyatta University Signature………………………… Date:…………………………….… Dr. Nyakwara Begi Department of Early Childhood Studies School of Education Kenyatta University ii DEDICATION This work is dedicated to my husband Dr. Stephen Mabagala and our children Gladys, Harry, Bryan and Juniour. It is also dedicated to my late son Hans who passed away in his early childhood; and my late father Libent J. Rweyemamu who passed away when I was in pre-primary school. I will always cherish you. iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to express my appreciation to many individuals who provided support and guidance in completion of this study. First, I would like to thank our Almighty God for giving me strength and protection during the course of my study. Second, I thank my employer, the Open University of Tanzania (OUT) for granting me study leave and facilitating my scholarship under the World Bank capacity building project. I wish also to thank my supervisors Dr. Esther Waithaka and Dr. Nyakwara Begi for their valuable time, constructive suggestions, advice and encouragement throughout this process. I will be forever grateful for your kindness and support. Thank you and May God bless you. I would also like to thank my friends and fellow graduate students especially Benta Ogutu, Ismail Pangani and Yusuph Singo for the cooperative support and helpful advice. Finally, I would like to thank my family for their patience, prayers, support, and understanding. Special appreciation is offered to my husband Stephen and our children Gladys, Harry, Bryan and Juniour. Special thanks to my mother Mwl. Yaledia Rweyemamu for taking me to school, prayers and encouragement; and my in-laws Norbert Mabagala and Josephine Stephen for their love. Lastly, my sister Jamila M. Shedafa thanks for taking care of my children during the whole period of study. iv TABLE OF CONTENTS Contents Page Cover Page ............................................................................................................... ii Declaration ............................................................................................................... ii Dedication ............................................................................................................... iii Acknowledgments .................................................................................................. iv Table of Contents ..................................................................................................... v List of Tables .......................................................................................................... ix List of Figures ........................................................................................................ ixi Abbreviations and Acronmys ................................................................................ xii Abstract ................................................................................................................. xiii Chapter One: Introduction and Context of the Study ....................................... 1 1.1 Introduction .................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Background to the Study .............................................................................. 1 1.3 Statement of the Problem ............................................................................. 8 1.4 Purpose of the Study .................................................................................. 10 1.5 Objectives of the Study .............................................................................. 10 1.6 Research Hypotheses ................................................................................. 11 1.7 Assumptions of the Study .......................................................................... 12 1.8 Limitations of the Study ............................................................................ 12 1.9 Delimitation of the Study ........................................................................... 13 1.10 Significance of the Study ........................................................................... 14 1.11 Theoretical Framework .............................................................................. 15 1.12 Conceptual Framework .............................................................................. 19 1.13 Operational Definition of Terms ................................................................ 22 v Chapter Two: Literature Review ....................................................................... 24 2.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 24 2.2 Quality Pre-primary Education .................................................................. 24 2.3 Parents‟ Satisfaction with the Quality of Education .................................. 26 2.4 Parents‟ Satisfaction with the Quality of Education and Type of School . 31 2.5 Parents‟ Satisfaction with the Quality of Education and Parents‟ Gender 34 2.6 Parents‟ Satisfaction with the Quality of Education and Parents‟ Education Level .......................................................................................................... 38 2.7 Relationship between Parents‟ Perceived Education Quality and Satisfaction with Quality of Education............................................................................ 41 2.8 Summary and Gap Identification ............................................................... 44 Chapter Three: Research Design and Methodology ........................................ 46 3.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 46 3.2 Research Design ........................................................................................ 46 3.2.1 Variables of the Study ................................................................................ 47 3.3 Location of the Study ................................................................................. 48 3.4 Target Population ....................................................................................... 50 3.5 Sampling Techniques and Sample Size ..................................................... 50 3.5.1 Sampling Techniques ................................................................................. 50 3.5.2 Sample Size ................................................................................................ 52 3.6 Research Instrument .................................................................................. 53 3.6.1 Scoring of the Questionnaire ..................................................................... 55 3.7 Pilot Study .................................................................................................. 56 3.7.1 Validity ...................................................................................................... 56 3.7.2 Reliability ................................................................................................... 57 3.8 Data Collection Procedures ....................................................................... 59 3.8.1 Training of Research Assistants ................................................................ 59 3.8.2 Administration of the Questionnaire to Parents ........................................ 59 vi 3.9 Logistical and Ethical Considerations ....................................................... 60 3.10 Data Analysis ............................................................................................. 61 Chapter Four: Findings, Interpretation and Discussion ................................. 63 4.1 Introduction ................................................................................................ 63 4.2 General and Demographic Information ..................................................... 64 4.2.1 General Information ................................................................................... 64 4.2.2 Demographic Information of the Parents ................................................... 64 4.2.2.1 Age of Parents ............................................................................................ 64 4.2.2.2 Gender of Parents ....................................................................................... 65 4.2.2.3 Education Level of Parents .......................................................................