Influence of Parents’ Drug Abuse on Attending School Meetings in Pre-Primary schools of Embulbul Sub-County

Abstract

Parental drug abuse is a global concern and a major issue affecting parental involvement in their pre schoolchildren’s learning. It negatively impacts their much needed involvement particularly provision of the needs of children who are at a vulnerable stage in life. The purpose of this study was to determine the implications of parental drug abuse on their involvement in children’s education in Embu lbul Sub county in Kajiado. The study was guided by Epstein’s Model of parents’ involvement. This study adopted a descriptive survey design method. A sample size of 8 (55%) out of14 pre-schools, a similar number of head teachers and 24(50%) pre-school teachers (three from each school) were selected. Questionnaires for teachers and interview schedule for head teachers were used to collect data. The collected quantitative data were edited, coded, entered into a computer and analyzed descriptively using Statistical Package for Social Science. The analyzed data were presented using tables, pie-charts and bar graphs. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation were used to interpret the data. Qualitative data were organized using relevant themes, presented using direct quotes and discussed as per the research question. The findings in the study established that majority of parents abusing drugs never participated in neither school meetings nor functions. The study concludes that parental drug abuse has a negative impact on parents’ attending school functions. To improve parents’ attendance of school meetings, the study recommended that teachers should provide them with an opportunity to communicate their expectations and concerns.