Availability of safety measures in early child care in public and private pre-schools’ institution in Shomolu Local Government Area of Lagos State

Abstract

This study examines the availability of safety measures in early child care in public and private pre-schools institutions in the Shomolu  Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. Having a safe environment protects children from harm, and helps promote their  psychological well being while they are learning. The Comparative Research design was adopted for the study. The population of this  study consists of all 233 public and private pre-schools in the Shomolu Local Government Area of Lagos State, Nigeria. The Simple  Random Sampling Technique was used to select 18 public preschools from each of the 52 public schools and 60 private pre-schools  selected from each of the 181 private preschools for the study. The instrument used in the study was a selfdesigned check list tagged  "Availability of Safety Measures in Early Child Care Checklist (ASMSCC). The data collected were analyzed using frequency counts and  percentage. Then the chi-square (X²) statistical tool was used to test the research hypothesis at 5% significant level. The findings show  that public pre-schools do not have safety measures and security available like surveillance cameras within the premises and classrooms,  gate pass and identification system, buddy systems, foot operated refuse containers, antibiotic ointment, professional resident nurse and  emergency vehicles while private preschools have more safety measures. Based on the findings, it is recommended that  government should provide these and other appropriate measures for the safety of pupils and staff while private school owners and or  Board of Directors should add these measures to ensure the safety of pupils and staff.