Challenges faced by parents in managing distance learning for preschool children in the Republic of Kosovo

Abstract

The closure of educational institutions due to preventive measures against the spread of COVID-19 has hurt the management of pre-primary school children by parents. This research has identified the challenges that have hurt the parents of preschool children, so that in the future this research will serve as an aid in managing distance learning, both for parents and preschool children aged 5-6. Data for this research were collected through electronic questionnaires conducted with 240 parents from 12 municipalities of the Republic of Kosovo, dividing them by gender (female and male). The study was conducted at the end of 2021 when the children had started returning to school. The results have convincingly shown that parents of preschool children have not been satisfied with distance learning. The research however reveals that female parents accept the new way of organizing distance learning more easily than male parents. In this case, the support of educators has helped parents alleviate their stress while organizing distance learning. The study has evidenced that in cases where there is good cooperation between parents and educators, good results can also be expected.

Keywords: Distance learning; pandemic; technology; parent; preschoolers