Confirmation of Candidature - Candidate : Soba Balasundaram

Early childhood education plays an essential role in laying the foundation for children's comprehensive growth and continuous acquisition of knowledge throughout their life. Early childhood administrators in Sri Lanka collaborate with early childhood education teachers to create an environment that promotes learning for young children. Through their collaboration with early childhood education teachers, administrators ensure a pedagogical approach that aligns with young learners. They also interact with parents and communities, promoting active learning throughout young learners' educational journeys. This research explores the contributions and challenges of early childhood administrators to attain quality early childhood education in the Batticaloa district of Sri Lanka. The research will use a mixed method approach utilising both qualitative and quantitative data in the form of a survey and interviews with early childhood education administrators - District Coordinator (DC), Regional Assistant Director (RAD), Early Childhood Care Development Officers, and Preschool principals. Collecting data through surveys will cover key aspects related to administrators' educational qualifications, years of working experience and available support from the government. Through the interviews, administrators will be invited to provide their perspectives, thoughts and opinions on their contributions and challenges of early childhood education in Batticaloa district, Sri Lanka. Finally, the research will provide recommendations for early childhood administrators to attain quality early childhood education in the Batticaloa District of Sri Lanka.