Investigation of Parents' Views on Distance Education of Children’s Transition from Preschool Education to Primary School During the Pandemic Process

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the parents' views about the transition from preschool to primary school with distance education during the pandemic process. The participants of the study, which was designed as a case study, consisted of 20 parents whose children completed preschool education during the pandemic period and transferred to the 1st grade of primary school. Data was collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with the participants. Results of the study showed that preschool children couldn’t attend early childhood education and parents of preschool children were not satisfied from the distance education, preschool teachers sent activities over their smartphones through WhatsApp application, as well as the parents' duties in the process of using the activities they created, the children have various communication, educational and social problems. At the primary school level, parents talked about the various positive situations they experienced in the distance education process as well as problems and suggestions. In line with the results of the research, early childhood education shouldn’t be overlooked during pandemic, and effective communication between teacher and student should be increased.