| Summary: | The objective of this study was to identify the level of knowledge and attitude towards preschool
programmes (Tadika) amongst Malay mothers residing in Bandar Tun Razak Flats, Cheras. A total
of 80 respondents were randomly selected for the study. Data were obtained by personal interviews
using structured questionnaires. The independent variables used were age, level of education, number
of children, occupational status, family income and experience in sending children to preschool.
Knowledge and attitude towards preschool were used as dependent variables. Knowledge about preschool
consisted of the meaning of the word Tadika, purposes and activities of the Tadika. Attitude towards
preschool consisted of a child's independence and dependency on the parents after entering the preschool,
the value of the preschool experience for the child, and the care and guidance of a child has at the
preschool centre. The data obtained were analysed using the SPSS program. The Pearson's correlation procedure was utilised to find out the relationship between the dependent and the independent
variables. The results show that most of the respondents were in the middle age group with a medium
sized family. Most of them were housewives with a low level of education and low family income.
The results also indicated that they had a substantial knowledge of the Tadika. The respondents'
knowledge was significantly correlated with age and education. The level of knowledge decreased as
age increased but, as the level of education increased. The results also show that the respondents had
a favourable attitude towards preschool. However, their attitude was not significantly related to the
independent variables. The respondent's level of knowledge about preschool was found not related
to their attitude towards preschool. Some recommendations for involving parents in the preschool programmes are also made based on the responses given by the respondents.
|
|---|