Cognitive Development Assessment of Pre-Primary School Children in Pokhara

Abstract

This study focused on evaluating cognitive development in urban pre-schoolers in Pokhara. It aimed to assess the socioeconomic and cognitive statuses of early childhood development (ECD), and explored influencing factors. The research involved 160 children aged 4-5 from eight ECD centers in Pokhara, with ECD facilitators, parents, and principals as respondents. It used Jean Piaget's and Lev Vygotsky’s theories, employing mixed methods. The research tools involved observation checklist sand interview guidelines whereas the statistical analysis involved regression analysis-ANOVA. The findings showed that most kids were from Dalit and Janajati communities, relying on daily wage labor and lacking permanent homes. About two-thirds of them displayed cognitive progress. The influential factors included teacher training, home learning environment, family income, and housing ownership. Overall, their cognitive development was unsatisfactory in the researched context. The study suggests towards collaboration among stakeholders and policy changes for improvement.