Screening strategies available for the identification of at-risk children in early childhood classrooms within the Effutu Municipality

Abstract

This study explored the strategies available in the identification of at-risk children in early childhood classrooms within the Effutu Municipality. The study adopted an exploratory case study design. The researcher purposively selected twelve early childhood teachers in the six classrooms, using semi-structured interview guide and observational checklist to collect data for the study. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis. And the checklist was analysed using content analysis. The study established that the classrooms identified and observed do not have tools, but they employed some strategies to identify such learners. Also, it was found out that, there were learners with special educational needs in early childhood classrooms. Finally, it was found out that the schools mainly depended on informal strategies of screening at-risk conditions among learners. The study recommends that, regualr in-service training must be regularly organised for teachers at early grade centres by the education Directorate in the Districts and Municipalities, to upgrade the knowledge of teachers regarding at-risk conditions among early grade learners