The Implementation Of The Epstein’s Model As A Partnership Framework At Saudi Kindergartens

Abstract

The aim of the study is to reveal the implementation of a partnership framework at Saudi kindergartens in accordance to the Epstein’s Model which is considered from the perceptions of Kindergartens’ female teachers. Analytical descriptive methodology was employed, and the study sample included 48 public kindergartens’ teachers and 44 private kindergartens’ teachers in Jeddah city, Saudi Arabia. The study tools included a questionnaire that was related to the six fields of Epstein’s Model including; parenting, communicating, volunteering, learning at home, decision making, and collaborating with community. The results revealed that implementation of a partnership framework at Saudi kindergartens in accordance to the Epstein’s Model were overall average. There were no statistically significant differences between the means of implementing partnership’s frameworks in Saudi Arabian kindergartens with its six fields, which attributed to the specific type of Kindergarten (Public – Private). The significant recommendation of the study is formulating partnerships between community institutions and kindergartens to arrange recreational, educational and social programs after school hours, which would be beneficial for children and their families.