UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

MINETTE N. BANAL

Early childhood education advocates in Central Luzon recently convened to increase awareness and understanding regarding the importance of early childhood education in the Department of Education Regional Office III (DepEd-3)’s “Kindergarten Education Advocacy Program.”

With the theme “Kindergarten: A Magical Time in Child’s Life,” the convergence 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 learner-friendly environment; and support collaboration with key stakeholders to better serve kindergarten learner s.

The Kindergarten Education Advocacy Program is the eleventh among the thirteen campaigns under the 2018 Regional Advocacy Campaigns Cum Convergence, an innovation exclusive to Region III as a means 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 offices.

There are currently 229,528 and 34,193 Kindergarten students enrolled in public and private schools, respectively.

Research confirms that 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.

In the same manner, 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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The author is ES Head Teacher I at San Miguel Elementary School, Lubao North District