Quality of Early Childhood Programs and Professionals in the Philippines

My contact Fran in the Philippines and I have been a bit behind in our communication. However, I thought what she had to say was worth sharing.

Teacher Qualifications: A college degree in education or a certain number of units on education courses as well as a Professional License for Teachers are necessary to be able to teach in both public and private schools.  Since Early Childhood Education was not a "requirement" until recently when the country implemented the K-12 curriculum, teachers in some small schools may not be required the license.

Quality of Early Childhood Programs in the Philippines:

 Kindergarten was only just recently required under the new curriculum and therefore there was no required curriculum for preschool levels until recently. There is also no governing body regulating or supervising our preschools.  There are many "small schools" that are found in villages, churches or even garages of homes.  Parents are most often the ones who would check on the quality of programs in the schools where they intend their children to stay.  As for the "big schools,"  the curriculum is usually designed to cater to the future needs of would be 1st grade students.  Access to quality care is not of priority especially for those living in poverty.  If given the choice, they would rather keep the children at home until they are ready for first grade as education is not a priority in their family expenses.  There are daycare centers and church organizations (who teach catechesis) which may offer free services for those who cannot afford early education but Fran was not sure of their conditions.

Issues regarding quality and early childhood professionals:

Many of the issues involve financial assistance and support to the early childhood programs in the country.  As many live in poverty, early childhood (and education at that) is not on top of their priorities.  However, the government is acting on this by educating even parents about their responsibility to send their children to school and provide for their schooling as well.

With regard to the teachers, there are colleges and universities offering courses in education specifically for early childhood.  These programs are important as the needs of children in preschools differ from those in primary or secondary school.  With the teachers' license test however, there are tests for primary and secondary school educators but none for early childhood.  Early childhood thus falls under general education for primary school teachers.  Approaches in teaching as well as how schools are run are mostly decided upon by owners of the schools who may or may not have any education degree. 

The issue of how to regulate preschools still remain.  Teachers' benefits vary from school to school and salaries are dependent on the employer (hopefully, within minimum wage).

Opportunities and/or requirements for professional development:

At the school she currently teaches in, Fran and the staff is given many opportunities for professional development.  They have access to on-site trainings and are also given the opportunity to attend any outside trainings that are relevant. While a Masters is not required, the teachers are encouraged to do so as it will support them in getting promoted as well as a salary increase. The school also provides grants for teachers to support further education.

Professional goals:

Fran is currently in the process of completing her Master's degree.  She has been able to apply her learning to her teaching in the classroom. She hopes to continue her education and share her knowledge with her co-teachers.  She has been teaching preschool for 9 years and would like to try teaching Kindergarten next.

Professional hopes, dreams, and challenges

Fran hopes to see the Philippines succeed in the their K+12 program.  She believes in the program but there are many are against it since it would mean more years in school resulting in a longer wait to become employed.  According to Fran, many also don't take Kindergarten seriously and see it as merely play time for kids.  They don't realize that play is work for the children and they learn through it.  Socialization in this level also is very underrated.  People don't realize what develops when 4-5 year olds interact and learn from each other.  Fran hopes that these perceptions will eventually change.