Early Childhood Teachers’ Perspectives on Quitting Their Professions in Batticaloa District, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Early childhood education is essential to a child's comprehensive development and lifetime knowledge acquisition. In this way, preschool teachers play a crucial role in early childhood education by creating a supportive learning environment. Moreover, the acknowledgment of the importance of early childhood education has focused on the ability of early childhood teachers to maintain sustainability in their teaching practices and effectively engage with young children's learning processes. This research aims to explore the factors that influence early childhood classroom activities and the reasons for leaving their jobs in the Batticaloa district of Sri Lanka. The research utilised a mixed-methods approach, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data through a survey conducted with early childhood teachers. The survey considers various aspects, such as the demographic profile of the teachers and their job satisfaction. It also identifies the key factors that affect early childhood teachers’ commitment and productivity. Furthermore, it is important to understand attitudes toward professional development and potential reasons for leaving their jobs. The research was conducted in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, and the survey participants were selected from Manmunai Southwest Education / D. S Division, Batticaloa district. Several factors that sustain classroom activities have been identified and led to their leaving their organisations. Finally, the research recommends that early childhood education teachers sustain their classroom activities and assist them in maintaining their employment.