A Model of Early Childhood Education Administration Based on the Threefold Training Principles for School Administrators under the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Primary Education Service Area Office

Abstract

This study aimed to: (1) examine the priority needs for early childhood education administration; (2) develop an administration model based on the Threefold Training principles; and (3) implement and evaluate the model for school administrators under the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Primary Educational Service Area Office. A three-phase multiphase mixed-methods design was employed. In Phase 1, questionnaire data were collected from 191 school administrators. In Phase 2, the model was developed using interviews with 15 key informants and a focus group of 10 experts. In Phase 3, the model was implemented through a workshop with 30 school administrators and evaluated for utility, feasibility, propriety, and accuracy. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, and the priority needs index; qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. The findings showed that: (1) the priority needs, in descending order, concerned curriculum development; learning environments, media, and resources; learning experiences; and developmental assessment; (2) the developed model followed a systems approach comprising inputs, processes, outputs, intended outcomes, and intended impacts, supported by four implementation activities and synthesized as the 7A Model; and (3) participants were able to apply the model to the four administrative areas. The overall evaluation was at the highest level, with propriety and utility identified as particular strengths. The implementation findings support the model’s preliminary acceptability and practical feasibility among participating administrators; however, they do not establish long-term effects on children’s development.