School readiness during COVID19- perception and practices of parents having 4-5 years old children

Abstract

This study is a qualitative study conducted on six pairs of parents (six mothers and six fathers) who wanted to admit their children in Bangla medium preprimary classes but were unable to provide that due school closure. The data has been collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussion. According to the study, most of the parents beyond questioning accepted the importance of School Readiness though majority of them do not have proper knowledge on this topic. Few of them revealed that school readiness is the preparation for the test that takes place during school admission. Most of the participants did not have idea about the age of preschool. The level of understanding of fathers was significantly higher than that of the mothers’ but they were not as active in this process as the mothers. Parents had tried their level best to provide the maximum opportunities for their children during the pandemic. In general, they all were very worried about their children’s future education and development. The study recommends that School Readiness should be included in the Disaster Management policy in order to reduce the loss and damage from any such emergency condition. To cover the gap created by COVID 19 we need to provide counseling support to the parents as well as for the children. Furthermore, for mass awareness, government may broadcast special programs on national TV, radio, newspaper and social media.