Communication and Job Satisfaction among Caregivers in Public Early Childhood Care Centers in Bayelsa East Senatorial District

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between communication, feedback mechanisms, and caregivers' job satisfaction in public early childhood care centers in Bayelsa East Senatorial District, Nigeria. A correlational research design was adopted, with two research questions and corresponding hypotheses guiding the study. The population comprised caregivers in public early childhood care centers, from which a sample of 375 respondents was selected using a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC). Findings revealed a weak but significant positive relationship (r = 0.324, p = 0.007) between communication channels and caregivers' job satisfaction, suggesting that while communication is important, it is not a strong determinant of job satisfaction. In contrast, a moderate positive relationship (r = 0.543, p = 0.003) was found between feedback mechanisms and job satisfaction, indicating that timely and constructive feedback significantly enhances caregivers' motivation and commitment. Based on these findings, the study recommended the establishment of structured communication channels and continuous feedback mechanisms to improve caregivers' job satisfaction and overall service delivery in early childhood education settings.