PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN THE EDUCATION OF THEIR PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN SELECTED SCHOOLS IN WASSA EAST DISTRICT IN THE WESTERN REGION OF GHANA

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study aimed to find out the extent to which parents supported the education of their preschool children with special needs in five selected schools within the Wassa East District in the Western Region of Ghana. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was employed for this study. A combination of purposive and convenience sampling methods were used to select 86 study participants comprising 80teachers and 6 parents for the study. Questionnaire (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.78) and interview guide were the main research instruments used to collect data. The quantitative data were analyzed and presented in tables using frequency counts and percentages, while the qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The study revealed that the majority (over 61%) of parents played significant roles in the education of children with special needs. Excessive social commitments, poor economic situations and excessive job demands were the key factors that negatively influenced parental involvement in the education of their pre-school children. Active parental involvement resulted in improved children’s interest in learning and educational performance. It was recommended that Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), School Management Committees (SMCs) and other stakeholders of education in the District should educate parents on the need for effective school partnership and parental involvement.