Parent Engagement in Childhood Education: Real-World Experiences and Difficulties throughout the Academic Year: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

This research employed a qualitative, phenomenological design to explore the real-world experiences and challenges faced by parents in their children's education throughout the academic year in Arpili Elementary School in Balamban, Cebu Province, for Academic Year 2025-2026. This aimed to comprehend the complex elements of how parents' involvement and engagement connect with their children’s educational journey, as well as provide a rigorous analysis of how different dimensions of parental engagement influence student outcomes. There were ten (10) participants in this study. They were all parents and or guardians – respondents, of children in early childhood education and will be subject to an in-depth interview or a detailed survey, depending on availability and preference. All respondents were selected through purposive sampling. Purposive sampling was intentional in selecting participants based on their ability to provide diverse and informative themes, concepts, or phenomena. Often known as a judgmental or expert sample, a purposive sample is best known to be a non-probability sample. Its main objective was to generate a sample that could reasonably be believed to be true to the public. Based on the findings emphasized the restrictions such as tight work schedules, financial constraints, and technological gaps that frequently limit their participation. Despite these obstacles, they have still endeavored to stay engaged. The study also found that schooling thrives when parents, teachers, and the school acknowledge their shared responsibility and mutual partnership. In conclusion, parent engagement required collaborative effort for it to be effective and sustainable not only for the parents, teachers, and schools but also for the children. By transitioning from individual struggles to collaborative partnerships, parental engagement can become more impactful in influencing a child’s overall success.