Collaborative Governance of Local Administrative Organizations for Early Childhood Development Centers in Nakornprathom Province

Abstract

This study’s findings on the collaborative governance of child development centers in Nakhon Pathom Province which reveal several key points. Due to the province's socio-economic transition, influenced by urbanization, has led to a significant shift from agricultural to industrial occupations, many parents now work outside the home, leaving the responsibility of child-rearing to grandparents. This has resulted in a lack of knowledge and skills among parents, leading to difficulties in appropriately caring for children according to their developmental needs. As a result, the burden of early childhood care falls on child development centers, which are managed by local administrative organizations. However, since raising and developing young children is a complex and sensitive issue, it requires expertise from various fields and the active participation of multiple social levels.

          The study also found that the roles of agencies involved in education management at child development centers, within the framework of collaborative governance, are relatively limited. Local administrative organizations hold direct authority over aspects such as budget and personnel management, as well as general administration, but require cooperation from various networks for academic management. This process is characterized by network governance, where independent actors from different sectors collaborate based on interpersonal relationships and shared expertise. However, there are no formal rules governing this cooperation; instead, it operates through the willingness of network partners, under the provisions of the law.

          The success of this collaborative governance, including public participation and effective outcomes, largely depends on the leadership’s ability to foster cooperation, along with their governance capabilities and competence.