Impact of Early Childhood Development Centers on School Readiness in Kenyan Urban Settings: A Longitudinal Assessment

Early childhood development (ECD) centers play a crucial role in shaping children's educational trajectories and readiness for formal schooling. The study employed a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data from standardised test scores and qualitative interviews to assess changes over time. Children attending ECD centers demonstrated an average improvement of 15% in school readiness scores compared to their peers not enrolled, with significant variations across different urban districts. The longitudinal assessment reveals a positive correlation between early childhood development programmes and enhanced school readiness among urban Kenyan children. Policy makers should prioritise the expansion and funding of ECD centers in underprivileged urban areas to further improve educational outcomes for all children.