ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the family structure in the cognitive , social and emotional skill development of pre school children in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. Five research questions where raised to guide the study and two were and answered and three hypothezied and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The instrument used was a questionnaire which was validated with a reliability index of 0.85. The data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation, independent and one way analysis of variance. The findings showed that the predominant family structure were intact home, polygamous home, broken home and single parenting with intact home the most common. The influence of the family structure on the cognitive, social and emotional skill development of pre school children was to a high degree. More so, there was no significant difference in the cognitive , social and emotional skills development of pre school children based on their parents occupation, educational background and family type. It was recommended among others that: Recognize the influence of various family structures on preschool children's development and provide tailored support services to meet their needs. This could include family counseling, parent education programs, and community support networks to strengthen family functioning and promote positive child outcomes, invest in quality early childhood education programs that focus on cognitive, social, and emotional skill development. Ensure that these programs are accessible to all children, regardless of family background, and provide comprehensive support for children's holistic development, encourage parental involvement in their children's education and provide resources and opportunities for parents to enhance their parenting skills and knowledge. This could include workshops, support groups, and informational materials on child development and effective parenting practices, offer training and professional development opportunities for educators to enhance their understanding of child development, family dynamics, and the impact of different family structures on children's learning and behavior. Equip educators with strategies for supporting children from diverse backgrounds and creating inclusive learning environments.
