ROLE OF ECE IN K TO 12 CURRICULUM

CHARMANE C. DE GUZMAN

Early childhood education (ECE) is a branch of education theory which relates to the teaching of young children formally and informally. It basically focuses on learning through play, based on the research and philosophy of Jean Piaget who conceives that play meets the physical, intellectual, language, emotional and social needs of children.

According to many studies, educators, philosophers, and psychologists have proven that education in the early years is very much crucial on the part of the learners. Children undergoes milestones of learning from infancy onward which should not be halted otherwise it could have a negative impact on the emotional, social, and cognitive development of a child. Hence, children at this stage should necessarily be carefully guided to assure their harmonious growth and development. That is the reason why when K to 12 curriculum have been formally introduced in the Philippines, it requires Kinder teacher to be fully oriented and should have undergone Early Childhood Education course. Merging Early Childhood Education (ECE) in Kinder curriculum enables the learners to smoothly jump into formal school without burden for they will never experience cultured shock.With the aid of the modules provided by DepEd, lessons are lightly given suited to the ability of the child or learner.

With ECE, learners experience learning while playing. It also gives opportunity for the children to have a best start mingling people outside their home. Children are naturally curious about everything around them and very much imaginative. It is believed that these inherent characteristics could evoke learning when unfettered. Thus, children learn more efficiently and gain more knowledge through activities such as dramatic play, art, and social games which ECE could provide. — oOo—

The author is Kinder Teacher at VSP II and Pulong Palazan Elementary School, Candaba East District, Candaba, Pampanga