Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

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RECEIVED ©
7 sul 2013)

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No,__ L926

INTRODUCED BY HON. MARCELINO “MARCY” R. TEODORO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In the Philippine public education set up, a child intending to enroll in Grade | is
expected to have some basic reading, writing and socialization skills. Thus, a prospective
student may be admitted for enrolment when possessing such skills, It is somehow
understandable because only when a child is armed with said simple abilities that school
authorities could be assured of greater efficacy in learning and better absorption of
information from a child.

Clearly, preschool education for young students is very important that it needed the
necessary regulations for its proper implementation, Hence, this bill seeks to provide the
appropriate system and safeguards that will promote quality preschool education; to ensure
the safety of children within the preschool premises, and to temper the rising cost of
preschool education by authorizing the Department of Education (DepEd) to prescribe
standards for the operation of preschools.

Specifically, the measure establishes a system to govern and regulate private
preschool education in the country, and prescribes strict standards for the operation of
preschools by requiring: (a) permit to operate to be determined by the DepEd; (b) a well-
planned preschool curriculum or program; (c) adequate facilities and appropriate physical
environment; (d) qualifications for preschool personnel; and (e) obligations and
responsibilities to be observed.

Therefore, immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

wt 7. nm
MARCELINO “MARCY” R. TEODORO

Representative, 1st District
City of Marikina


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1526

House Bill No.

INTRODUCED BY HON. MARCELINO “MARCY” R. TEODORO

AN ACT
GOVERNING THE SYSTEM OF PRESCHOOL EDUCATION BY
PRESCRIBING STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS OF PRESCHOOL
FACILITIES AND SERVICES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

CHAPTER I
TITLE AND DECLARATION OF POLICY

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as “Governance in Preschool
Education Act”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to uphold the
vital role of children in nation building by instituting measures that shall promote and
protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being

The State recognizes the importance of early childhood development and the role it
plays in achieving the country's educational goals and objectives. The State further
recognizes that preschool education is a fundamental component of early childhood
development and is a necessary means to ensure that a child, one of the most important
assests of the nation, acquires the essential educational foundation for his/her
development and to attain his/her fullest potential as human being.

The State commits to uphold the rights of children to access quality education and
assistance, including proper care and nutrition , and special protection from all forms of
neglect, abuse, cruelty, and exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their
development. As such, the State shall promote and safeguard the welfare of children and
uphold their best interests by encouraging the establishment of quality preschool
education through the definition of standards for the organization and operation of
preschool facilities and services in the country.

SEC. 3. Definitions of Terms. - The terms used in this Act are defined as follows:

(a) “Child abuse” refers to the acts described in Section 3 (b) of Republic Act No. 7610,
or the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and
Discrimination Act, and all other forms of abuse and neglect referred to in the same law
(b) “Department’ refers to the Department of Education.

(c) "Mother tongue” refers to the language or languages first learned by a child
which he/she identifies with or is identified as a native speaker of, by others, or


which he/she knows best and uses most.

(d) “Owner’ refers to the person, natural or juridical, who owns, operates or stands
as the proprietor of a preschool, whether or not a permit to operate the same has
already been granted him/her. The owner may be the operator or proprietor of
existing educational institutions that may be offering elementary, secondary and/or
post-secondary education.

(e) “Preschool institution” refers to pre-elementary facilities or services including,
but not limited to, early learning centers, nurseries, kindergarten schools,
playgroups and similar facilities that primarily provide educationalservices for
preschool children.

(f) “Preschool children” refers to children five (5) years old and below who qualify
for admission and enrolment in preschool facilities or services offering preschool
education.

(g) “Preschool personnel” collectively refers to the owner, director, teachers and
paraprofessionals working in a preschool institution.

CHAPTER II
COVERAGE

SEC. 4, Coverage. - This Act shall cover all privately-owned preschool institutions
and other private educational institutions providing elementary, secondary and
post-secondary education that also offer preschool services.

A preschool entity or organization contracted by the government as its partner in
the Preschool Service Contracting Scheme (PSCS) of the Department shall not be
covered by this Act when the delivery of educational services are solely devoted to
the implementation of the PSCS.

CHAPTER Ill
ESTABLISHMENT AND LICENSING

SEC. 5. Establishment of a Preschool. — A private preschool institution shall be
established in accordance with law and its operations shall be subject to prior
authorization of the Department. No preschool institution shall operate without first
applying for a permit to operate and obtaining the same from the Department.

SEC. 6. Application for a Permit to Operate. - The owner of a preschool institution
shall file the application for a permit to operate a preschool. He/She shall have the
following qualifications: :

(a) Possesses a college degree in a discipline allied to education with at least
eighteen (18) units of preschool education course; and

(b) Must not have been convicted of any crime involving child abuse, sexual abuse
or any other crime committed against children.

If the owner of the preschool is a juridical entity, the president of such entity shall
possess the above-prescribed qualifications.

The Department has the discretion to impose additional qualifications before a
person may be able to apply for and be granted a permit to operate a preschool.

SEC. 7. Requirements for Application to Operate a Preschool. — TheDepartment
shall not issue a permit to operate a preschool unless the following documents and
information are submitted:

(a) A complete application form, which includes a list of all the preschool personnel,
including volunteers and substitutes, and the list of household members as


prescribed in Section 9 herein, if applicable;

(b) Draft preschool curriculum or program to be implemented;

(c) Inspection report showing compliance with alll safety rules issued by the local
government unit;

(d) Certification showing completion of pre-licensing inspections as prescribed in
Section 10 herein;

(e) Tax identification number of the owner; and

(f) Statement of Legal Background.

The owner shall sign the application for a permit to operate a preschool under oath
to certify that all its contents and attachments are true and correct.

SEC. 8. Statement of Legal Background. — The owner of the preschool shall
submit a Statement of Legal Background signed under oath by each member of
the preschool personnel, eighteen (18) years old and above. The Statement of
Legal Background shall include all contacts of the preschool personnel with law
enforcers, whether or not such contacts may have resulted to prosecution.

SEC. 9. Disclosure of Household Members. — If the preschool is located within a
private residence, the owner shall submit the names of all household members,
eighteen (18) years old and above.

SEC. 10. Pre-Licensing Inspection. — After the filing of the applicationfor a permit to
operate, a preschool institution shall be subjected to prelicensing inspections
before it can be allowed to start its operations.

SEC. 11. Display of Permit. - The owner shall, at all times, display the operating
permit, whether provisional or permanent, in a prominent place clearly visible to
the parents and the public.

SEC. 12. Licensed Capacity, - The permit shall indicate the licensed capacity to
operate the preschool. A preschool institution shall not exceed its licensed
capacity during the period of effectivity of the granted permit. An increase in the
capacity shall require another application for a new permit to operate.

SEC. 13. Changes in the Permit. - If a substantial change in the permit to operate
a preschool is needed, the owner shall submit a new application.

SEC. 14. Operation Without a Permit. - The operation of a preschool institution
without authorization, or in violation of the permit granted, Is a violation that shall
be subject to the penalties provided under Chapter XI of this Act.

SEC. 15. Strict Compliance of Standards. - A preschool institution shall be
required to comply with the standards set under this Act and also to that of the
other administrative regulations and orders issued by the Department, under pain
of penalty of the owner and all other preschool personnel responsible for
noncompliance of these standards.

CHAPTER IV
PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

SEC. 16. Curriculum Development. - The Department shall develop the curriculum
prescribed for preschool education consistent with the universally accepted norms
and standards, including values formation, and to periodically review such for
purposes of upgrading.

Private preschool institutions shall henceforth implement the appropriate


curriculum prescribed by the Department.

SEC. 17. Developmentally Appropriate Experiences. - The preschool program
shall incorporate the use of developmentally appropriate experiences in physical
development, social development, supportive emotional and social environment,
intellectual and cognitive development, staff-child ratio, language of learning and
parental involvement, Such programs aim to develop the preschool children’s
intrapersonal and interpersonal skills as well as enhancing their self-management
and independence.

The program shall also include appropriate learning activities and teaching
techniques in accordance with each child’s level of comprehension and
maturation.

SEC. 18. Physical Development Program. - The physical development program
shall help develop the gross and fine motor coordination of a child through play and
manipulative activities like games, simple work and those that develop physical
fitness, and through:

(a) Adequate indoor and outdoor space pursuant to Chapter V of this Act;

(b) Developmentally appropriate materials and equipment, in sufficient quantity to
allow choice, and providing supervised time for children to use large and small
muscles to increase their physical skills;

(c) Appropriate guidance while the school children use equipment and materials
that promote their physical growth; and

(d) Developmentally appropriate information about health as an integral part of
program activities.

SEC. 19. Social Development Program. - The social development program shall
help develop skills and behaviors pertaining to independence and social behavior
including development of health habits and independence in dressing, eating,
sleeping and toileting, relating with teachers, peers and other people through
group play and/or interaction. It also deals with the development of ability to follow
rules and routines.

The program shall likewise promote the development of social skills and social
interactions by providing positive guidance with clear and consistent rules
presented in developmentally appropriate ways such as positive adult and peer
role models, focusing on the level of the children.

SEC. 20. Supportive Emotional and Social Environment Program. - The
supportive emotional and social environment program shall promote affective
development through experiences that help preschool children develop love for
self, others and the community. The program shall provide a supportive social and
emotional climate that:

(a) Enhances the preschool children’s understanding of themselves as individuals,
and in relation to others, by providing for individual, small group and large group
activities;

(b) Gives preschool children many opportunities for success through
developmentally appropriate program activities; and

(c) Provides an environment of acceptance that helps preschoo children develop
positive self-concept, enhance their individual strengths, build ethnic pride and
facilitate social relationships.

SEC. 21. Intellectual and Cognitive Development Program. - The intellectual and
cognitive development program shall include activities that promote the
development of intellectual skills particularly in the areas of communication skills
and sensory-perceptual and numeric concepts and skills by:


(a) Encouraging preschool children to solve problems, initiate activities, explore,
experiment, question and gain mastery through learning by doing concrete
experimental learning;

(b) Promoting language understanding and use in an atmosphere that encourages
each communication among preschool children and between children and adults;
(c) Utilizing a curriculum in which a variety of skills are integrated into activities
targeted toward the interest of preschool children;

(d) Encouraging preschool children to organize their experiences and understand
concepts;

(e) Utilizing a language experience approach to introduce printed materials
according to the individual developmental level of the preschool children; and

(f) Providing a daily balance of activities in the following dimensions: indoor and
‘outdoor; quiet and active; individual and group; large and small groups; child and
staff initiated; and structured and spontaneous.

SEC. 22. Staff-Child Ratio. — Each preschool institution shall maintain the following
staff-child ratio:

‘Age Range of Children Number of Number of
(at the time of enrolment) Staff Children
2 years old — 3 years old 1 6
3 years and 1 day ~ 4 years old 1 10
4 years and 1 day - 5 years old 1 12

Only the personnel directly involved with the immediate care and teaching of
children shall be considered in determining the staff-child ratio.

Compliance with staff-child ratio shall be determined on a school-wide basis and
not on an individual classroom basis.

SEC. 23. Language of Learning. — At the day care level, the mother tongue shall be
used as the language of learning for all subjects. At this stage, oral fluency in the
mother tongue shall be developed.

At the preschool level (5 years old), the following language of learning shall be
institutionalized:

(a) Introduction of oral fluency in Filipino as a subje
(b) Introduction of oral fluency in English as a subject;

(c) Continuing development on oral fluency in the mother tongue and the
introduction of the mother tongue emergent literacy; and

(d) Mother tongue as the language of learning for all subjects.

SEC. 24. Parental Involvement Program. - The parental involvement program
shall allow the active parental involvement in the preschool children’s activities
Consideration of the different types of family structures, such as those with single
parenthood, adoption, foster care and extended family, shall be made when
planning activities.

The following activities shall be made available to the parents:

(a) Participation in classroom and other preschool activities as volunteers or
observers;

(b) Parent training, education or other activities that parents helped develop;

(c) Working with the child in cooperation with preschool personnel;

(d) Meeting with preschool personnel and other appropriate staff regarding the
child’s individual needs and progress or other systems of communication
developed with the parent; and


(e) Periodic home visits by preschool personnel.

CHAPTER V
PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

SEC. 25. Adequate Facilities and Appropriate Physical Environment. - Each
preschool institution shall ensure that the children enrolled are provided with
adequate facilities and given the appropriate physical environment. The owner
and/or director shall ensure that:

(a) Alll facilities within the school premises, including the floors, walls and ceilings,
and other areas not considered when computing activity space under Section 26
hereof are clean and maintained properly;

(b) There is at least one (1) toilet seat for every twenty-five (25) children at one time
which is conveniently accessible to the children;

(c) Sufficient water supply is available to the children during the hours of operation;
(d) The sewage and garbage facilities in the school premises are clean and that
proper disposal of garbage is maintained to prevent health hazards; and

(e) A telephone line Is available in the school premises.

SEC. 26. Activity Space. — A preschool institution shall have a minimum lot area of
five hundred (500) square meters. The area may be divided into a minimum of one
hundred forty (140) square meters for the classroom or indoor activity space and
three hundred sixty (360) square meters for the playground or outdoor activity
space. This area shall be good for not more than four (4) classes only,

Toilets, kitchens, passageways, storage space, cabinets and other spaces not
used to directly deliver educational services as defined in this Act shall not be
considered when computing the activity space.

The owner and/or director shall ensure that the indoor activity space is well
ventilated and classrooms are adequately lit.

SEC. 27. Outdoor Activity Space. —- A preschool institution shall have enough
space for playground or outdoor activities; otherwise, easy and safe access to the
nearest park or open space not more than two hundred (200) meters walking
distance from the school site may be presented as an alternative. This
arrangement shall be approved in writing by the authorized representative of the
park or open space.

The owner and/or director shall ensure that the preschool institution complies with
the following regulations concerning outdoor activity space used by the children:

(a) If there are unsafe areas such as drainage ditches, open storm sewers, wells,
holes, railroad tracks or heavy street traffic in or near the outdoor play area, an
appropriate fence shall be provided to safeguard the children involved in the
outdoor activity;

(b) Pets, if present, must be physically controlled or restrained, and proof of
vaccination shall be available for cats and dogs; and

(c) The grounds shall be kept neat and clean, free from insects and rodents, and
properly sloped or drained to prevent stagnant water collection.

The use of the nearest park or open space, instead of a playground within
preschool premises, as outdoor activity space does not excuse the owner and/or
director from ensuring that the above regulations are met.

SEC. 28. Use of School Building. - The building from where the preschool


operates shall be used solely for educational purposes. Its conversion into a
residential or commercial purpose, even if done after class hours, shall be strictly
prohibited.

SEC. 29. Provision of Furniture, Equipment and Related Materials. — The furniture,
equipment and materials allocated for the use of the school shall be of sufficient
quantity, quality and variety to meet the needs of the preschool children and shall
be arranged in a way as to facilitate learning, assure a balanced program of
spontaneous and structure activities, and encourage selfreliance in the children.

SEC. 30. Provision of Safe Environment. - The preschool premises shall be free
from potential accident hazards such as diggings, uncovered wells, broken
glasses, open electric wires, unsafe electrical outlets and other similar matters.
The owner and/or director shall provide the necessary safety measures and
equipment to ensure that preschool children may enjoy a healthy and hazard-free
environment.

CHAPTER VI
QUALIFICATIONS OF PRESCHOOL PERSONNEL

SEC. 31. Composition of Preschool Personnel. - There shall be preschool
personnel in each preschool institution which shall be basically composed of a
director, teachers and paraprofessionals.

For purposes of this Act, the owner of the preschool institution shall be considered
part of the preschool personnel if he/she has contact with the students therein.

SEC. 32. The Director. - The director shall plan, implement, supervise, monitor
and evaluate a school program along with the other competent members of the
preschool personnel. He/She shall possess the following qualifications:

(a) College degree in a discipline allied to education with at least eighteen (18)
units of preschool education course;

(b) Preferably with a masters degree in education; and

(c) At least two (2) years of very satisfactory work experience in a school setup.

The director's experience in preschool teaching with very satisfactory performance
may, at the discretion of the Department, be considered in place of the preschool
education course units required.

SEC. 33. The Teacher. -- The teacher shall be directly in charge with the handling
of preschool children. He/She shall possess any of the following qualifications:

(a) Bachelor of Science degree with specialization in Family Life and Child
Development or Early Childhood Education or Kindergarten;

(b) Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with eighteen (18) units in
preschool education and fifty-four (54) hours of practicum in preschool classes; or
(c) Bachelor of Arts/Science degree in a discipline allied to education, arts, nursing
or anthropology with eighteen (18) units of preschool education.

Provided, That upon appointment, the teacher shall have at least six (6) units of
preschool education subject: Provided, further, That the requirement of eighteen
(18) units of preschool education may be gradually implemented as follows:

(1) At the end of year 1, nine (9) units shall already be eared;
(2) At the end of year 2, twelve (12) units;
(3) At the end of year 3, fifteen (18) units; and


(4) At the end of year 4, eighteen (18) units.

SEC. 34, The Paraprofessional. — The paraprofessional, employed as a teacher
aide, teacher helper or assistant teacher, shall have the following qualifications:

(a) Should at least be a high school graduate; and

(b) Has attended training on preschool education for at least one hundred twenty
(120) hours with a certificate from a recognized training institution or professional
organization.

SEC. 35. Personnel for Emergency. ~ The preschool institution shall, at all times,
have standby personnel within the school premises that are trained in emergency
medical first aid response.

CHAPTER VII
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PRESCHOOL PERSONNEL

SEC. 36. General Responsibilities. - The preschool personnel shall have the
following general responsibilities:

(a) Promote and protect the physical, moral, intellectual and social well-being of
the preschool children;

(b) Provide the preschool children with proper care and nutrition;

(c) Take all measures to protect the preschool children from all forms of neglect,
abuse, cruelty and exploitation, and such other conditions that are prejudicial to
their safety and development;

(d) Ensure that the standards prescribed under this Act and such other rules,
regulations and orders relative to the concerns of preschool children are properly
observed and followed;

(e) Perform his/her duties in accordance with the policy declared and the
responsibilities prescribed under this Act; and

(f) Uphold the best interest of the preschool children.

SEC. 37. Academic Responsibilities. - The preschool personnel shall likewise
have the following academic responsibilities:

(a) Improve professionally by keeping himself/herself abreast with the latest trends
and techniques in preschool education and child care;

(b) Assume, promote and maintain an atmosphere conducive to the child's
learning; and

(c) Be knowledgeable on the rights of the child as provided for in the Convention on
the Rights of the Child and on other existing laws and to uphold these rights in the
performance of their duties.

SEC. 38. Adequate Supervision. - The preschool personnel designated by the
owner to take charge of the preschool children shall be responsible in providing
adequate supervision and control over the children in attendance.

The preschool personnel shall have adequate knowledge on the whereabouts of
each and every preschool child in attendance and shall always position
themselves within the sight or hearing distance of every child under their
supervision.

Negligence or willful lack of supervision on the part of the preschool personnel
shall be a basis for suspension or revocation of the preschool's permit to operate,
without prejudice to the imposition of the appropriate penalties as prescribed under
Chapter XI of this Act.

SEC. 39. Discipline of Children. — No preschool personnel shall be allowed to inflict


any form of physical punishment on any child in attendance as a means of
imposing discipline.

Preschool personnel shall also be prohibited to impose discipline to a preschool
child through any of the following means: abusive or profane language; denial of
food; forced napping; subjection to derogatory remarks about the child or his/her
family; threats of physical punishment; yelling or screaming; or any other similar
forms of discipline.

SEC. 40. Overall Obligation. - Unless otherwise provided herein, compliance with
all the standards imposed by this Act shall be the responsibility of the owner of the
preschool institution. Failure to comply with these standards shall merit the
imposition of appropriate penalties to the owner without prejudice to the imposition
of liability against any other member of the school’s personnel if found to have
committed any act of negligence.

CHAPTER VIII
FEES, CONTRIBUTIONS AND DONATIONS

SEC. 41, School Fees, - The preschool institution shall determine its rate of tuition,
miscellaneous fees and other charges. The fees and other charges imposed by the
preschool and their application and use shall be subject to the rules and
regulations issued by the Department.

The application for permit of a new preschool shall include information on tuition,
miscellaneous fees and other charges

SEC. 42. Authority to Regulate School Fees. - The Department shall have the
authority to regulate the fees charged by a preschool institution based on the
preestablished objective standards that the fees charged shall not be arbitrary,
excessive and onerous.

The preestablished standards that determine whether the fees charged are
arbitrary, excessive and onerous may relate to indicators such as profit margin and
rate of increase. Qualitative factors such as improvement of facilities, qualifications
of teaching and non-teaching personnel and quality of curriculum offered may also
serve as indicators, together with the quantitative factors, for the purpose of
determining if the fees charged by a preschool institution are fair and reasonable.

SEC. 43. Prohibition on Contribution and Solicitation. — A preschool institution shall
be prohibited from collecting any kind or form of contribution and solicitation as a
precondition for the preschool children’s continued school admission or for their
completion of the program.

SEC. 44, Issuance of Official Receipt. — A preschool institution shall be required to
issue an official receipt for all fees, charges and contributions received in the
course of its operations.

SEC. 4. Report of Financial Performance. — The owner of the preschool institution,
upon application for renewal of permit to operate, shall submit to the Department a
copy of the financial performance of the preschool for the previous year or for a
longer period as may be determined by the Department.

The financial report shall expressly indicate the amount of tuition, miscellaneous
fees, other charges, gifts and donations collected and/or received by the preschool
institution during the period covered by the report.


CHAPTER IX
RULE IN ADMISSION

SEC. 46. Non-discrimination in Admission. — No child shall be refused admission in
a preschool institution on the basis of legitimacy or illegitimacy, sex, social status,
religion, political antecedents and other related factors. As such, the preschool
institution shall not require the submission of any of the following documents as
requisites for enrolment:

(a) Marriage certificate of parents;

(b) Baptismal certificate of the child;

(c) Income tax return of parents/guardian; and

(d) All other documents solely intended to identify the child's legitimacy or
illegitimacy, sex, social status, religion, political antecedents and other related
factors.

The policy against non-discrimination shall be read in consonance with the
principles of religious freedom in cases where the entity operating the preschool is
a religious institution.

SEC. 47. Atmosphere of Tolerance and Acceptance. — The preschool institution
shall promote an atmosphere of tolerance and acceptance. No child shall be
disadvantaged, treated differently or discriminated in any manner in a preschool on
the basis of the factors described in the preceding section.

CHAPTER X
IMPLEMENTING AND REGULATING AUTHORITY

SEC. 48. Implementing Agency. — The authority to regulate the organization,
operation and/or implementation of the preschool education program shall be
vested upon the Department, through the Bureau of Elementary Education.

SEC. 49. Duties, Powers and Functions. - The Department shall have the
following duties, powers and functions:

(a) To oversee and supervise the implementation of the preschool education
program throughout the country;

(b) To authorize the opening of preschool education classes in all private schools,
including the registration and accreditation of private preschool institutions and
order closure of the same if found violating Department rules and regulations
and/or found operating without a permit or Certificate of Recognition;

(c) To develop the curriculum for preschool education consistent with the
universally accepted norms and standards, including values formation, and to
periodically review such for purposes of upgrading;

(d) To conceive, develop and extend a regular training program for preschool
education teachers to ensure constant updating of their knowledge in modern
trends, methodologies and concepts on early childhood education;

(e) To prescribe the necessary qualifications for the hiring and accreditation of
teachers who will handle the preschool education program; and

(f) To formulate the necessary guidelines and regulatory standards in connection
with the operation of private preschool institutions.

CHAPTER XI
LIABILITIES AND PENALTIES.

SEC. 50. Unauthorized Preschool! Operation. — Any person operating a preschool
institution without a permit or authority from the Department shall suffer the penalty
of at least one (1) month imprisonment and/or a fine not exceeding Five thousand
pesos (P5,000.00) for every day of operation without a permit to operate, subject to


the discretion of the court.

The person liable under this section may or may not be the owner of the preschool
institution being operated without a permit or authority.

SEC. 51. Administrative Sanctions. ~The Department shall prescribeNand impose
administrative sanctions against the owner of the preschool institution that it may
deem reasonable and appropriate for any of the following causes:

(a) Unauthorized operation of a preschool, without prejudice to the filing of a case
against the owner pursuant to the immediately preceding section;

(b) Negligence or wilful lack of supervision of children;

(c) Failure to comply with any of the obligations or standards prescribed by this Act;
(d) Mismanagement of school operations;

(e) Gross inefficiency of the teaching or non-teaching personnel; or

(f) Fraud or deceit committed in connection with the application for a permit or
recognition.

The imposition of administrative sanctions by the Department shall be limited only
to the following:

(1) Suspension or revocation of permit to operate;

(2) Temporary or permanent closure of the preschool facility and service;

3) Fines and penalties; and

(4) Prohibition to operate a preschool facility and service, or any other educational
institution.

SEC. 52. Civil Penalties. — Any preschool personnel, who shall commit any act or
omission, whether intentional or due to negligence, related to the preschool
operations that may have resulted to any damage or injury on the child enrolled
therein, shall be liable to pay damages, fines and/or other civil penalties.

SEC. 53. Penal Provisions. — In addition to the imposition of any of the above
administrative sanctions or civil penalties, preschool personnel found to have
violated any provision of this Act shall be liable to the penal sanctions prescribed
under the Revised Penal Code and other special laws with penal provisions such
as the Child and Youth Welfare Code, the Anti-Child Abuse Act and the Juvenile
Justice and Welfare Act.

SEC. 54. Liability of a Corporation. ~ If any of the foregoing acts or omissions is
committed by a corporation, the president and the responsible officers of the
corporation and/or other persons responsible for the offense or violation shall be
held liable for the administrative, civil and penal sanctions.

CHAPTER XII
FINAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 55. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Education
shall, upon consultation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development,
the Department of Health and the Department of the Interior and Local
Government, promulgate the necessary implementing rules andregulations within
ninety (90) days after the effectivity of this Act.

SEC. 56. Transitory Provision. - Preschool institutions that_are already in
operation and have been complying with the orders issued by the Department prior
to this Act shall be given one (1) year from the effectivity of this Act to comply with
the standards prescribed herein.


SEC. 57. Statutory Construction. — |n case of doubt, the interpretation of any of the
provisions of this Act shall be construed liberally in favor of the protection and
promotion of the paramount interest of the preschool child.

SEC. 58. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other
provisions hereof.

SEC. 59. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, decrees, executive orders andrules and
regulations, or parts thereof, that are contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions
of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 60. Effectivity Clause. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,