Publication Details
Abstract
The study assessed the impact of climate change on Early Child Care, Development and Education (ECCDE) centres in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target population consisted of all stakeholders directly involved in Early Child Care, Development and Education (ECCDE) within the FCT. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed. A total sample of 200 respondents will be drawn for the study, including; 120 ECCDE teachers and caregivers, 40 school heads or administrators, 30 parents or guardians, and 10 education officers or policymakers. Data was collected using the following instruments; structured questionnaire. To ensure validity, the instruments were reviewed by experts in early childhood education, environmental science, and educational measurement. The data collected was analyzed using both quantitative and qualitative techniques. Quantitative data from the questionnaires was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, mean scores, and standard deviations to summarize responses. Chi-square test and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) were used to test the formulated hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. The result revealed that flooding, rising temperatures, irregular rainfall patterns, and drought affects administration and management in ECCDE; disrupts teaching and learning in ECCDE; destroy infrastructure facilities, affects children’s attendance to schools; affects socio-economic status of the parents attendance and affects children’s developmental outcomes. The result also disclosed that the level of awareness and adaptive response of ECCDE stakeholders to the impacts of climate change in Abuja is low to an extent. Based on the findings, the study recommends that that government agencies such as the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Federal Ministry of Education, and Federal Ministry of Environment should jointly design and implement comprehensive climate education and capacity-building programmes for ECCDE teachers, administrators, and caregivers. These programmes should focus on enhancing teachers’ understanding of climate science, environmental sustainability, and disaster preparedness. Integrating climate change education into ECCDE curricula using age-appropriate, play-based, and experiential learning methods. Organizing workshops and seminars on classroom management during extreme weather conditions, child safety during floods or heat waves, and creation of eco-friendly learning environments. Such initiatives will empower educators and administrators to effectively respond to climatic risks, protect children’s health and development, and promote climate-resilient early learning systems.