Management and Development of Child Development Centers under Nong Rong Subdistrict Administrative Organization, Saraburi Province: Problems, Obstacles, and Pathways to Sustainability

Abstract

This study aims to: (1) examine the current management of child development centers under the jurisdiction of the Nong Rong Subdistrict Administrative Organization, (2) identify problems and obstacles in their management, and (3) propose development guidelines for more effective administration. The research employed a qualitative approach, utilizing document analysis and in-depth interviews with 14 key informants. The findings revealed that the overall management of the CDC was compliant with the standards. However, significant problems and obstacles were found in three main areas: Management, primarily a lack of budget for facility maintenance; Personnel, a critical shortage of certified child caregivers, with the personnel-to-child ratio not meeting the standard, requiring one teacher to oversee five centers; and Facilities, with several buildings showing deterioration due to long-term use and a lack of maintenance funds. The proposed development guidelines consisted of 8 key recommendations: 1) Consolidating centers for efficiency; 2) Surveying personnel and staffing needs; 3) Providing continuous training; 4) Seeking funding sources; 5) Building cooperation networks; 6) Formulating procurement policies favorable to maintenance; 7) Renovating facilities according to standards; and 8) Continuous inspection, monitoring, and evaluation.