ABSTRACT
The prupose of this study was to highlight the major factors that affect the management of ECDE centres and its impact on learning in Kaptel zone Nandi Central District. Specifically the study aimed at the finding out how academic performance in the centres is influenced by; Parents attitude, financial constraints, low capacity in management skills and lack of clear ECDE guidelines and policy framework. In the study, a sample of 20 respondents including ECD teachers, headteachers, parents and Committee chairpersons was selected from 5 ECD centres in Kaptel Zone using random sampling technique. The study made use of ECD teachers' questionnaires, headteachers' interview schedule, parents' attitude (Likert) scale and observation schedule as instruments for data collection. Data collected was analyzed using both the descriptive and inferential statistics were used respectively. The results of the study indicated that most parents are supportive towards ECD programmes but they Jack awareness on importance of early childhood education and their roles in the centres are not well defined, it further showed that fees is the main source of funds in ECDE centres thus leading to poor payment of teachers hence affecting academic performance. There was a significant relationship between management capacity and academic performance. There existed a significant association between the use ofECDE guideline and policy framework in teacher participation (teaching) The study recommends that parents to be sensitized on the importance of the ECDE programme. Clear ECDE guideline and policy framework is to be distributed to all ECDE centres my Ministry of Education. The government should include ECDE centres in Free Primary Education funding. Finally it is recommended that all ECDE managers including headteachers, parents, Committee members and the sponsors should be trained on the management ofECDE centres.
