Factors affecting the cognitive competency of the pre-school children in selected day care centers in Diffun, Quirino, Philippines

Abstract

The researcher made use of descriptive method and inferential statistics like t-test, Spearman Rho correlation, and Stepwise Regression to test the hypotheses.  The data were gathered using the Early Childhood Care and Development Checklist.  The data revealed that majority of the respondents are “Competent” in most of the cognitive competencies during the pre-test and became “Very Competent” during the post-test when they are grouped according to their socio-demographic profile. There are items that have significant relationships/differences on the cognitive competency during the pre-test and gender, and birth order of the respondents. Significant relationships/differences were also noted on some items on the cognitive competency during the post-test and the respondent’s number of siblings, and birth order. Moreover, school, social and family parameters are identified to find out which among these affect the performances of the respondents on cognitive competency during the pre-test and post-test. The result of this study revealed that majority of the school factors affect the performance of the respondents on the said competency during the pre-test and post-test while the social and family factors have lesser effects. Thus, this study implies that continuous partnership of the school and home is essential, more organized activities has to be implemented and strict monitoring and evaluation of school program is needed in the Day Care Centers to improve further the cognitive competency of day care children.