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RA 10157 – Kindergarten Education Act (2012): Made kindergarten compulsory at age 5. Integrated kindergarten into the K–12 Basic Education Program. Focuses on play-based and holistic learning, covering literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional skills.

RA 10410 - Early Years Act (2013): Identified ages 0-8 as the critical period for development. Strengthened the ECCD System and promoted the “whole-child” approach.

DepEd Order No. 32, s. 2012: Provided implementing rules for compulsory kindergarten, including teacher training, age guidelines, and class size.

DepEd Order No. 47, s. 2016 (Omnibus Policy): Standardized curriculum and teaching strategies, emphasized a child-centered, play-based approach, and promoted assessment through observation rather than formal exams.

Present Status of ECCE: Fully integrated into the K–12 system and Kindergarten is the official entry point to formal education. Strong collaboration among DepEd, LGUs, NGOs, UNESCO, and UNICEF, and continued emphasis on inclusive, holistic, and quality education for children.

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1987 Constitution: Recognized Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) as part of the Philippine education system.

RA 8980 – ECCD Act (2000): Established an integrated system of services (health, nutrition, education, and social care) for children aged 0–6, strengthening the role of local governments in ECCD implementation.

Expansion of Preschools and Day Care Centers: Growth of early learning institutions nationwide, influenced by the philosophies of Montessori, Froebel, and Piaget.

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ECED01 - Group 3 Timeline (OVERALL) (22)

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International Year of the Child: Philippines joined global UN initiative, launching national programs emphasizing child welfare and early education.

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ECED01 - Group 3 Timeline (OVERALL) (21)

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Decade of the Filipino Child: National movement that expanded preschool enrollment and increased establishment of preschools nationwide.

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ECED01 - Group 3 Timeline (OVERALL) (18)

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Presidential Decree 603 (Child and Youth Welfare Code): Declared every child’s right to education suited to their abilities; mandated government and community roles in child development.

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ECED01 - Group 3 Timeline (OVERALL) (17)

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Manila Health Department: Established first modern preschool “play centers” at Kapitan Isidro Mendoza Health Center, led by Dr. Demetrio Belmonte with Dr. Evangeline Suva & Mrs. Isabel Santos.

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ECED01 - Group 3 Timeline (OVERALL) (16)

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Government Involvement: Preschool education began in government schools through Dr. Solis (Bureau of Public Schools); Pangasinan Normal School among first to implement.

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ECED01 - Group 3 Timeline (OVERALL) (15)

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Harris Memorial School: First recognized course in kindergarten education; granted Junior Teacher’s Certificate for kindergarten teachers.

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ECED01 - Group 3 Timeline (OVERALL) (14)

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Education Act of 1940: Established 6-year elementary course; 129 government-recognized kindergarten classes marked the growth of preschool sector.

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ECED01 - Group 3 Timeline (OVERALL) (13)

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National Federation of Women’s Clubs (NFWC): Opened the first nursery school and operated preschool classes; start of the kindergarten movement.

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ECED01 - Group 3 Timeline (OVERALL) (12)

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American Era in the Philippines (1898-1946)

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American Era in the Philippines (1898-1946)

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Introduction of formal, secular, and public education.

Goal: To promote democratic values and the English language.

1924: First formal Kindergarten in the Philippines opened at Harris Memorial School, Manila by Mary A. Evans.

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ECED01 - Group 3 Timeline (OVERALL) (11)

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Spanish Era in the Philippines (1521-1898)

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Spanish Era in the Philippines (1521-1898)

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Education was controlled by friars.

Goal: To teach Christian doctrine and values.

Schooling is only for the elites and the privileged.

No concept of Early Childhood Education (ECE); childhood is not recognized as a separate stage of life.

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ECED01 - Group 3 Timeline (OVERALL) (10)

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Educational Influence: Founded the National Association for Nursery Education (NANE), now known as the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

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Educational Influence: Italy’s first female physician who developed child-centered learning, opened Casa dei Bambini, and designed self-correcting materials to build independence and self-help skills.

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Educational Influence: Father of Kindergarten, who emphasized play and created the first educational toys, called “gifts,” to support self-regulation.

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Philosophical Influence: Introduced tabula rasa (blank slate), seeing children as shaped by environment and experiences.

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Philosophical Influence: Believed all children should be educated, especially to read the Bible.

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Before the Renaissance: Parenting and caregiving were guided mainly by the Bible and church teachings, marked by strict morals and discipline.

Renaissance (1400s–1600s): A shift in perspective—children were seen as good and pure. People began questioning traditions and recognized children’s curiosity, potential, and developmental needs.

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1. Day Care (0-2 years old)

Purpose: Provides care for children while parents work.

Focus: Meeting basic needs such as feeding, changing, and sleeping.

Modern Shift: Many centers evolved into Developmental Day Care Centers that also include simple early learning activities.

2. Nursery Schools (3-5 years old)

Origin: London in 1912 by Margaret McMillan.

Spread: Reached the U.S. in 1919 and later expanded worldwide.

Focus: Play-based learning, socialization, and physical and emotional development.

3. Kindergarten (5 years old)

Origin: Concept of the “garden of children” by Friedrich Froebel (1837), Father of Kindergarten.

Focus: Play, creativity, music, self-care, and early academics.

Goal: Prepares children for primary school through holistic development.

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According to UNESCO, Early Childhood Care Education (ECCE) refers to the stage from birth to 8 years old.

Characterized by: Rapid brain development and the foundation for lifelong learning.

Focus: Inclusive and holistic education that supports health, nutrition, emotional, and social well-being.

Role: Prepares children for primary education while promoting equity, social justice, and sustainable development.