In 1990, the Philippines became part of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), an international treaty that upholds the civil, health, social, cultural, economic, and political rights of children. This includes the implementation of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) programs, which play an important role in the development of children’s well-being.
Notably, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is mandated by law to regulate and ensure the quality of ECCD programs. These may be operated by local government units (LGUs), non-government organization (NGOs), people’s organizations, and even private individuals.
What is the ECCD System?
According to Republic Act 8980 or the “Early Childhood Care and Development Act,” the ECCD System refers to the full range of health, nutrition, early education, psychosocial services, and other development programs that provide for the basic holistic needs of children, and to promote their optimum growth and development.
Legal Basis
With regards to the role of the DSWD in ECCD, Section 27 of Republic Act 8980 states that the DSWD shall “set standards for family and child welfare ECCD programs.” Furthermore, the department shall “register, license, and accredit public and private ECCD centers, programs, and service providers catering to children below five (5) years of age.”
Target Beneficiaries
The target beneficiaries of ECCD centers are children aged 0 to below five (5) years old. Their main aim is to ensure that these children receive high quality care and education, so that they can develop into their fullest potentials.
Types of ECCD Programs
ECCD programs may be classified into two major types: center-based programs, and home-based programs.
1. Center-based Programs
Center-based ECCD programs refer to services at the community level; these may be implemented in a center, school, or in the workplace. Perhaps the most common example is the Barangay Day Care Center, which falls under Republic Act 6972 or the “Barangay-Level Total Development and Protection of Children Act.”
Moreover, center-based ECCD programs also include public and private preschools, kindergartens, school-based programs, and church-based early childhood education (ECE) programs. These may be initiated by NGOs, people’s organizations, churches, offices, and private organizations.
2. Home-based Programs
As the name says, home-based ECCD programs refer to services that promote the holistic development of children below five (5) years old in an informal setting such as the home, neighborhood, or other improvised safe environment/places in the community.
In a home-based setting, ECCD programs are carried out by parents, guardians, or caregivers.
ECCD Services Providers
ECCD Service Providers refer to the various professionals, para-professionals, caregivers, and organizers who are directly responsible for the care and education of children aged 0 to below five (5) years old.
These service providers include, but are not limited to: Day Care teachers, teacher aides, rural health midwives, community health workers, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, community organizers, child development workers, social workers, Parent Effectiveness Service (PES) volunteers, and family day care providers.
ECCD Information System
The ECCD Information System or ECCD-IS is an automated and web-based reporting system developed by the DSWD and funded by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). The system’s role is to generate reliable and timely information from ECCD Service Providers at the local level (city or municipality).
By generating timely information about ECCD Service Providers, the ECCD-IS is enables stakeholders to analyze and improve the ECCD Program and delivery of services. This information can be easily cascaded to DSWD Offices, and ultimate to center-based and home-based ECCD centers.
Key Areas of the Program
The ECCD Program focuses on several key areas, namely: curriculum, health and nutrition, personal hygiene and cleaning, parent involvement, and community involvement.
1. Curriculum
The ECCD curriculum generally includes objectives, content, learning materials, and activities that are developmentally appropriate and socio-culturally relevant for young children. It integrates health, nutrition, sanititation, environment, and gender fairness education. The medium of communication used is the children’s home language.
Activities include story-telling, music, puppetry, dramatic play, poetry, arts and crafts, table games, and more. They are also designed with the kids’ ages in mind, for example: peekaboo, interactive games, hide and seek for 0-2 year old kids; group games, outdoor activities, field trips for 2-4 year old kids.
2. Health and Nutrition
Ensuring the health and nutrition of young kids is an important part of ECCD programs. At a young age, they must be provided with healthy foods and given basic healthcare services.
The DSWD’s Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) falls under this key area. Under this program, children are weighed and provided nutritious meals everyday to ensure their optimum health. Teachers, staff, and volunteers make sure that the foods are healthy and nutritious, while eating junk food is discouraged.
At the same time, ECCD centers may also be involved in facilitating health services for the children. Activities may include growth monitoring, immunization, deworming, and other health services.
3. Personal Hygiene and Cleaning
It is important for children to learn good personal hygiene and cleaning habits at a young age, as they will carry these lessons up to adulthood. At ECCD centers, children are taught how to:
- Wash their hands properly;
- Wash their hands before and after eating;
- Wash their hands after using the toilet;
- Brush their teeth and gums after eating;
- Comb their hair, put on their shoes, etc.; and
- Put away and store their books, toys, and things after use.
4. Parent Involvement
Parents are considered as the primary caregiver and the first “teachers” of their children. Hence, it is important for parents to be involved in ECCD programs and activities. By working together, parenyts and ECCD staff can ensure that children receive continuous care and education in school as well as at home.
ECCD center activities that involve parents include:
- Conducting parents’ orientation upon enrolment;
- Inviting parents as resource persons for class activities;
- Inviting parents as volunteers for various activities;
- Holding exhibits of children’s works a few times a year;
- Staying connected through phone, email, or social media; and
- Regularly meeting with parents regarding their children’s progress.
5. Community Involvement
In addition to parents and ECCD staff, the wider community also plays an important role in children’s development and well-being. By participating in events such as town fiestas, festivals, sports fests, and other activities, the children could learn to appreciate being part of a developing and progressive community.
Contact Information: DSWD Central Office
If you have any questions or concerns about ECCD centers and programs, you can visit the City or Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (C/MSWDO) in your area. If you are based in the National Capital Region (NCR) you can also get in touch with the DSWD Central Office through the following contact details:
Address: Batasang Pambansa Complex, Constitution Hills, Quezon City, Philippines, 1126
Telephone: (02) 8952-0697 or (02) 8931-8101, local 513
Website: https://www.dswd.gov.ph/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
As future generations of leaders and professionals, children deserve high quality education that integrates health, nutrition, and psychosocial development. Thanks to the ECCD program and centers around the country, Filipino children can expect holistic education, be it through center-based or home-based programs.
Another DSWD initiative that caters to children is INTERGEN. In fact, this program involves the elderly, as well! Check out this article to learn more about this “intergenerational” initiative!