Effectiveness of Satellite Centers in Enhancing School Readiness for Vulnerable Children in Early Childhood Education: Evidence from the Arusha Region, Tanzania
Keywords:
Satellite Centers; school readiness; vulnerable children.Abstract
This study assessed the effectiveness of satellite centers in enhancing school readiness for vulnerable children in early childhood education in Arusha Region, Tanzania. Specifically, the study examined stakeholders’ perceptions of the quality of services provided in satellite centers and assessed the extent to which these centers prepare children across major domains of school readiness. The study adopted a quantitative research approach and employed a survey design. Data was collected from teachers, parents and heads of centers drawn from 10 selected satellite centers, using a structured questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed through descriptive statistics, particularly frequencies, percentages and mean scores. The study revealed that the quality of services provided in satellite centers was moderate as instruction was generally rated good and teaching methods were considered effective although professional development opportunities for teachers were largely limited. The study also found that satellite centers partially prepared children for school readiness, since children demonstrated moderate readiness in some areas like counting, storytelling, emotional expression, separation from caregivers, clear speech, listening, dressing independently, curiosity and persistence in tasks. The centers were less effective in preparing children in letter recognition, shape and color recognition, following multi step instructions, independent work, classroom cooperation, expressive curiosity and fine motor control. The study concludes that satellite centers play an important role in supporting early childhood development, but their contribution to school readiness remains uneven across centers and developmental domains. The study recommends strengthening teacher support, improving learning materials and promoting consistent learning experiences to enhance school readiness outcomes among vulnerable children.
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