NJIKO: A Multi-Disciplinary Journal of Humanities, Law, Education and Social Sciences

This study investigated the impact of parental involvement in early childhood education on the academic performance of secondary school students in Jalingo Local Government Area, Taraba State. It examined how early parental support and participation influence students’ performance at the secondary school level. Specifically, the study determined the extent to which parental involvement in areas such as home learning support, monitoring of academic progress, provision of learning materials, and participation in school-related activities contribute to students’ academic achievement. The study adopted a survey research design. A structured questionnaire titled Parental Involvement in Early Childhood Education and Academic Performance Questionnaire (PIECEAPQ) was used to collect data from a sample of secondary school students across selected schools in Jalingo LGA. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools to test the research hypotheses. The findings revealed that parental involvement during early childhood has a significant and positive impact on the academic performance of students at the senior secondary school level. It was further discovered that students whose parents were actively engaged in their early education performed better academically compared to their counterparts who experienced limited parental support. The study concluded that sustained parental participation in a child’s educational foundation greatly enhances academic success at higher levels of learning. It recommended that parents should be more intentional in supporting their children’s education from the early years, while schools and policymakers should strengthen initiatives that encourage home and school collaboration.

Open Full Text (PDF)