Master’s Advocates for Stronger Partnerships Between Families and Early Learning Centres

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Early childhood education does not happen in classrooms in isolation. It develops through relationships between teachers, families and communities working together to support young children during some of the most important years of their development.

This understanding shaped the master’s research of Ms Nosibulele Mantenetya, who graduated with a Master of Education in Educational Psychology.

Her dissertation: ‘Teachers’ Experiences of Enhancing Parental Involvement in Early Childhood Care and Education’, was completed under the supervision of Dr Ashnie Mahadew and explored how teachers in the Amatole West District experience and strengthen relationships with parents in early learning environments.

Her interest in the topic grew from observations made while working within early childhood education settings, where she noticed that parental involvement did not always reflect its recognised importance for young learners.

“I wanted to explore both the challenges parents face and how teachers experience and navigate these dynamics,” Mantenetya said. Her study confirmed that parental engagement plays a central role in supporting children’s emotional security, confidence and readiness to learn. Teachers reported that when families are actively involved, children benefit academically and socially.

“When parents are actively involved, children demonstrate greater confidence, emotional security, and engagement in early learning activities. Parental involvement also supports cognitive and social development and helps create consistency between the home and school environment.”

Teachers who participated in the research emphasised that trust and communication are essential for building meaningful partnerships with families. Creating welcoming school environments emerged as an important starting point for strengthening engagement.

The study identified several challenges that affect consistent parental participation in early childhood care and education. Work commitments, changing family structures, and limited awareness of early childhood education practices all influence how families engage with schools.

“These challenges included limited parental time due to work commitments, a high number of single-parent households and the absence of fathers,” Mantenetya explained. “In some cases, grandparents acted as primary caregivers but had limited knowledge of early childhood education.”

Her research highlights practical strategies that schools and educators can use to strengthen collaboration with families. These include improving communication, encouraging volunteering opportunities, and supporting parenting programmes that respond to community needs.

“It also points to the need for parenting programmes and greater government support to address broader socio-economic barriers. Together, these approaches can strengthen collaboration between schools and families.”

Her postgraduate studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) strengthened her understanding of how educational psychology supports holistic development during the early years and reinforced the importance of family context in shaping learning experiences.

Mantenetya hopes her research will contribute to advancing early childhood education practice by supporting educators and policymakers in recognising both the value of parental involvement and the barriers families face.

“I hope my research contributes by raising awareness of the importance of parental involvement and the barriers that families face. Ultimately, I hope it supports the development of more inclusive policies and practices that strengthen partnerships between schools and families.”

Reflecting on her academic journey, she thanked those who supported her throughout the process. “I would like to thank my supervisor, Dr Ashnie Mahadew for her guidance and support throughout this journey. Her encouragement, patience and insight carried me through some of the most challenging phases of this journey.”

She also acknowledged the teachers who participated in her study, as well as her family and friends for their encouragement.

Most importantly, she dedicated this milestone to her parents. “I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to my mother for her unwavering support, encouragement and strength throughout this process. To my late father, I dedicate this milestone in his loving memory - his values, sacrifices and belief in the importance of education continue to inspire and guide me,” Mantenetya added.

Words: Lee Rondganger

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini