Examining Preschool Children's Perceptions on Parental Involvement

Parental involvement (PI) is a process in which mothers, fathers and other family members participate in the education program to contribute to the education and development of children. It cannot be ignored the cooperation of the school and family for the healthy development and successful learning life of the child. PI in preschool has positive effects on both the child and the parent in many respects. Although there are studies revealing the opinions of many adults such as parents, teachers, and school administrators on PI activities, studies revealing the child's perspective are quite limited. Aim of this study is to determine the perception of school-based PI of preschool children. The study group of this qualitative research, planned with the phenomenological research method, one of the participatory research methods, consists of 20 children (5-year-old) who attend pre-school education. Data were collected using a personal information form, structured interview form and drawing method based on the mosaic approach. The data were analyzed with descriptive analysis and content analysis method. The findings obtained are presented under 3 themes and results show that children have very positive feelings on PI but also have different expectations from existing PI activities. Based on results, it can be said that PI studies should be prepared by taking into consideration the opinions of children too.