THE EVALUATION OF THE NATIONAL OBJECTIVES ON THE EARLY CHILDHOODCARE EDUCATION (ECCE) PROGRAMIN GWAGWALADA AREACOUNCIL OF FCT, ABUJA, NIGERIA

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the national objectives of Early Childhood Care Education (ECCE) programme in Gwagwalada Area Council of FCT, Abuja, Nigeria. The research designed method adopted for this study was descriptive survey. The method used for selecting the sample of the study was purposive random sampling technique. 200 respondents were selected for simple sampling techniques. Questionnaire was used for data collection in the study and the reliability of the instrument was determined by using split-half method. The results the research showed that the national objectives of the Early Childhood Care Education (ECCE) includes; effect on a smooth transition from home to school, prepare the child for the primary level of education, provide adequate care and supervision for the children while their parents are at work (on the farm, in the market or offices), instill the social norms, instill the spirit of inquiry and creativity through the exploration of nature, the environment, art, music, playing with toys and so on, develop a sense of cooperation and team spirit, learn good habits, especially good health habits and teach the basics of numbers, letters, colours, shapes, forms and so on through playing. It has been achieved to the moderate extent in all the centres of sample in Gwagwalada area, council of FCT.