q3'" CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE 
Second Regular Session 
During the Twelfth Congress, several measures rousing the need for the 
Institutionalization of Preparatory IEducation have been temporarily put to hold 
because the National Early Childhood Care and Deveiopment Coordinating 
Council (NECCDCC) was not yet organized then. 
The Committee on Basic Education and Culture consolidated the issues 
and has resolved to urge President Gloria Arroyo to organize the Council in order 
that immediate action on matters relating to early child care and development will 
be undertaken. 
Research studies on early childhood development had established that 
the most critical years in a child's life are from birth to six (6) years of age. These 
are the years that a child's development is fastest and when basic character, 
skills, aptitude, abilities, values and intelligence are formed. When properly 
developed, these qualities shape the individuals' overall perspective and 
preparedness for life. The experiences and learning effect on their psyche and 
intellectual development as well as on the development of their social and motor 
skills. 
In the recent SONA of Pres. Arroyo, included in her "10-Point" Agenda is 
focused on the primary, formative years of children. She stressed that Congress 
must legislate an extra year of studies not by adding a fifth year of high school 
but by strengthening and standardizing what is taught in the Day Care Centers. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this Bill is earnestly sought, 
J 


i f h  CONGRESS OF THE 
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Second Regular Session 
Senate Bill No. __ 
AM ACT 
INSTlTUTlONALlZlRIG P R ~ ~ ' A ~ A T ~ ~ Y  
EDUC 
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it 
Be, enacted by the Semfe and House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled. 
SECTION 1 .  Shud Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Preparatory 
Education Act." 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the 
State to institutionalize and provide all Filipino children, from five (5) to six (6) 
years old, free preparatory education to strengthen the physical, social and 
intellectual skills which promotes patriotism, citizenship, civic discipline and value 
formation; 
SECTION 3. Definifion. - For the purpose of this Act, the terms and 
phrases shall mean as follows: 
a) Pre-school education shall refer to the year of schooling prior to 
joining the formal schooling in Grade I. 
b) Department shall refer to the department of Education. 
SECTION 4. Implementin'ing Agency. - The pre-school education program 
shall be promoted and implemented by the Department of Education arid the 
local government units through the organization of preparatory school classes in 
public elementary schools and in community and learning centers in the 


municipality, consistent with section 7 of RA 8980 othttrwise known as the ECCD 
Law. 
SECTION 5. Functions. - 'The Department, through the National Early 
Childhood Care and Development Coordinating Council (NECCDCC), shall 
ensure that all Grade one (1) entrants shall have the prescribed preschool 
experience. 
The Department shall have the following functions: 
a) Promote ECCD program in schools and shall be under the joint. 
responsibility of the Principal and PTCA. 
b) Formulate the standard preparatory education curriculum in order to 
attain quality and efficiency in service. 
c) Administer oversight function to all pre-school education service 
providers; 
d) Formulate and develop teacher's and students' materials and generai 
guidelines for the organizatibn and operation of pre-schools, as well as 
determine, approve textbooks and instructional materials; 
e) Provide regufar training program to pre-school teachers; 
9 Formulate standards and accreditation criteria for non-government, 
community-based and private pre-school service providers; 
g) Coordinate with Teacher Education Institutions in developing pre- 
school degree program; 
h) Perform other duties as maybe necessary and reievant to ensure that 
all pre-school aged population has equitable access to quality pre- 
school services. 
SECTION 6. Responsibililies of Local Government Units. - It is the 
responsibility of the local government unit concerned to (a) promote and 
implement pre-school services in the municipality; and (b) support ail parent and 
community based organizations to initiate the establishment and operation of a 
pre-school program. 


SECTION 7. School Accreditation. - All non-government, community 
based and private pre-school service provider must be accredited, based on the 
prescribed criteria by the Department. 
SECTION 8. Rules and Regulations. - The Department, in consultation 
with appropriate government agencies, non-governmental organizations and 
concerned civil society, shall issue the necessary rules and regulations for the 
effective implementation of this Act within a period of ninety (90) days after its 
approval. 
SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. - Ail laws, executive orders and rules and 
regulations contrary to or inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or 
modified accordingly. 
SECTION 10. Effectivity. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after 
its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation 
Approved,