THE GUIDELINES FOR DEVELOPING QUALITY MANAGEMENT STANDARDS OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTERS UNDER LOCAL ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATIONS IN UDON THANI PROVINCE

Abstract

Objectives of this research article were: 1. To study problems and obstacles, 2. To study factors affecting management conditions of child development centers, and 3. To propose guidelines for improving quality standards at child development centers under the Local Administrative Organizations in Udon Thani Province. The sample group included management committee members, Local Administrative Organization Executives, child development center heads, childcare teachers, assistant childcare teachers, and children's parents under the local administrative organizations in Udon Thani Province. Data were collected through in-depth interview with 25 individuals and questionnaires Completed from 300 participants. The research tools used included questionnaires and in-depth interview script. Data collection was conducted using self-administered questionnaires and in-depth interviews. The questionnaire data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation statistics. The interview data were analyzed through triangulation in three aspects: data triangulation, theoretical triangulation, and methodological triangulation.

The research findings revealed that 1. The overall situation regarding problems and obstacles were rated as very good. When considering each aspect, it ranged from very good to excellent, particularly in management to promote health and learning. 2. The factors affecting the management of early childhood development centers were by overall rated as very good. When considering each aspect, the position status was found to have a negative correlation with management effectiveness of early childhood development centers. 3. To improve the quality standards of early childhood development center management, emphasis should be placed on the leadership of local administrative organization executives and on management to promote health and learning. These were the factors with the highest average in management of early childhood development centers. Activities should focus on both academic enhancement and the instilling of ethics, considering the age and experiences of the children to ensure comprehensive development in all aspects.