EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

The author is Master Pampanga

JENNIFER B. PATIAG

There is now a strong call on increasing awareness and understanding regarding the importance of early childhood education.

In line with this, the Department of Education Regional Office III (DepEd-3) recently launched the “Kindergarten Education Advocacy Program” which aims to celebrate early learning of kindergarten pupils with their teachers, and families; advocate provision of access to programs responsive to kindergarten pupils’ needs and consistent with their interest and aptitudes; promote active participation of kindergarten learners in a learnerfriendly environment; and support collaboration with key stakeholders to better serve kindergarten learners.

The Kindergarten Education Advocacy Program also aims to address education issues and concerns that have been haunting the entire Department over the years but are impossible to resolve by simply conducting repetitive programs set by the central or regional o f f i ces.

The early years of life are crucial in shaping a person’s future and that the longer children spend in a quality early learning environment, the better their outcomes at school and beyond. Preschool education brings children the key opportunities to gain language skills and expand their vocabulary, develop social skills through interactions with other children and adults, explore the world around them, and acquire a love of learning.

Thus, promoting and advocating for quality early care and education and its goals help children develop to their full potential, support families in providing a good start for their children, increase professional recognition of early childhood educators, and provide quality programs for all children – is also seen as a fundamental activity for early childhood professionals today.

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I at Fausto Gonzales Sioco Memorial School, Colgante, Apalit,