Head teachers’ tasks in the implementation of preschool curriculum in Kenya public preschools

Abstract

This exploratory study addressed what the head teacher does to teachers, children and parents in the implementation of the preschool curriculum. The 33 head teachers were purposefully selected. The research established that the key tasks undertaken by the head teachers to teachers, children and parents as the key preschool stakeholders are not associated to their (head teachers‘) general background characteristics, but are more related to their basic knowledge about preschool education and the time they have at their disposal. It was found that the stated tasks are peripheral to direct classroom management undertaken by preschool teachers. The identified tasks by the 33 head teachers formed a basis of broader discussion about the need to have them trained and attend in-service courses on preschool classroom management which would make them experts in curriculum implementation.

Key words: head teacher, tasks, preschool curriculum, implementation, preschool