Assessment of Instructional Material Quality in Government ECDE Centres in Ebonyi State

The availability and appropriateness of instructional materials are fundamental to early childhood education quality, and assessing their status in government ECDE centres in Ebonyi State provides evidence for resource allocation and curriculum delivery improvement in South East Nigeria. This study assessed the availability, appropriateness, and condition of instructional materials in government ECDE centres in Abakaliki, Ohaukwu, and Ikwo Local Government Areas, Ebonyi State. A facility observation design was employed with 20 ECDE centres assessed using a Materials Quality Audit Checklist covering reading materials, mathematical manipulatives, art and craft supplies, dramatic play materials, science and nature materials, and audio-visual resources. Results showed that reading materials were present but inadequate in quantity in 65 percent of centres. Mathematical manipulatives were completely absent in 55 percent. Art materials were available in 70 percent but consumables were depleted and un-replenished in 45 percent of those centres. Dramatic play materials were absent in 80 percent. Audio-visual resources were present in only 10 percent. Teachers improvised with locally available materials in 60 percent of centres. The study concludes that instructional material provision is critically inadequate in Ebonyi State government ECDE centres. Recommendations include a dedicated annual instructional materials budget, training on local material production, community resource mobilisation, and term-based material replenishment protocols.

Keywords: instructional materials, ECDE centres, Ebonyi State, material quality, curriculum resources