Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to describe art education of ECE at Debre Birhan Town. The study employed concurrent embedded design. The participants of the study were Preschool teachers, and their assistant teachers. Questionnaire, interview and observation were used to gather data. Data were analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative methods of data analyses. Data obtained through the questionnaire were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version-20. Frequency, mean, standard deviation, and One way ANOVA were employed to analyze the data obtained via questionnaire, while the data obtained through interview and observation were analyzed qualitatively. This study showed that the Debre Birhan Town preschools teachers' competence level was found to vary in performance level from low to medium across school types, experience groups and educational levels in practicing art education in the classroom or outside classroom. There were also differences in availability necessary art materials across school types. There was statistically significant difference between teachers in integrating art into language and mathematics. Finally pedagogical content knowledge of preschool teachers in was found reported limited. The findings implied that stakeholders need to have awareness about early childhood education, its benefits and its effective practices. Furthermore, pre-service and in service quality trainings should be given for teachers. At last to be successful in early childhood education, the preschools need to use the opportunities.
Keywords: Early