Parental Support During Home-Based Instruction for Children with Intellectual Disabilities

Abstract

This study examined the level of parental support during home-based instruction for children with intellectual disabilities. Specifically, it determined the demographic profile of the parent-respondents in terms of age, sex, educational attainment, and monthly family income; assessed the level of parental support in terms of instructional support, emotional and motivational support, management of routines and structure, and collaboration with educators or therapists; and determined whether significant differences existed in the level of parental support when respondents were grouped according to their demographic characteristics. The study employed a quantitative descriptive-comparative research design. The respondents consisted of fifty (50) parents or legal guardians of children with intellectual disabilities from selected public schools in the Division of Tacloban City, who were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-made questionnaire that underwent content validation and reliability testing. The data were analyzed using frequency count, percentage, weighted mean, standard deviation, independent samples t-test, and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The findings revealed that most respondents were female, aged 31–40 years, high school graduates, and had a monthly family income above ₱30,000. In terms of parental support, emotional and motivational support (M = 2.51) and collaboration with educators or therapists (M = 2.50) were rated High, while instructional support (M = 2.42) and management of routines and structure (M = 2.47) were rated Moderate. The overall level of parental support during home-based instruction was Moderate (M = 2.47). Furthermore, the results indicated no significant differences in the level of parental support when respondents were grouped according to their demographic characteristics. Based on the findings, a Parent Support Intervention Program was developed to strengthen parental support during home-based instruction. The study recommends strengthening parent education programs, enhancing collaboration among parents, teachers, and therapists, and providing parent-friendly instructional resources to improve support for children with intellectual disabilities.