WHEREAS, the Philippine Government has declared a policy of the State to promote the rights of children to survival, development, special protection and participation with full recognition of the nature of childhood and its special needs;

WHEREAS, in support of this declared policy, the Philippine Legislature passed the ECCD Act where it committed to institutionalize a national system for Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) that is comprehensive, integrative and sustainable, that involves multi-sectoral and inter-agency collaboration at all levels;

WHEREAS, to ensure the implementation of the Act, it mandated the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) to also function as the National Early Childhood Care and Development Coordinating Council (NECCDCC);

WHEREAS, this Coordinating Council was tasked to formulate and issue the necessary rules and regulations for the implementation of this Act in consultation with appropriate government agencies and non-government organizations;

WHEREAS, in response to this provision the CWC/NECCDCC has taken the lead in the formulation and consultation nationwide for the rules and regulations;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, by the members of the CWC Board/NECCDCC, in meeting assembled, hereby approved the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the ECCD Act;

RESOLVED FURTHER, that this IRR be published at least in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Adopted: 4 April 2002

(SGD.) HON. CORAZON JULIANO-SOLIMAN

Chairperson, CWC Board/NECCDCC

Department of Social Welfare and Development
(SGD.) HON. RAUL S. ROCO

(SGD.) HON. MANUEL M. DAYRIT

Co-Chairperson

Co-Chairperso

Department of Education

Department of Health

(SGD.) JOSE D. LINA, JR.

(SGD.) HON. ARTURO D. BRION

Co-Chairperson

Acting Secretary

Department of the Interior and Local Government

Department of Labor and Employment

(SGD.) HON. HERNANDO B. PEREZ

(SGD). LEONARDO Q. MONTEMAYOR

Member

Member

Department of Justice

Department of Agriculture

(SGD.) ELSA M. BAYANI

(SGD.) DANTE M. CANLAS

Member

Member

National Nutrition Council

National Economic and Development Authority

(SGD.) HON. MA. ELENA S. CARABALLO

(SGD.) HON. PRECIOSA S. SOLIVEN

Member

Member

Council for the Welfare of Children

O.B. Montessori

(SGD.) HON. ANGELA MARIA L. PANGAN

(SGD.) HON. RYAN C. VERBO

Member

Member

National Council of Social

Youth Representative

Development/NORFIL Foundation



(SGD.) HON. CECILIA BALITBIT



Member



Private Individual, ECCD Expert





Rules and Regulations Implementing Republic Act No. 8980 Otherwise Known as The Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Act

Pursuant to Section 14 of Republic Act No. 8980 entitled, œAn Act Promulgating a Comprehensive Policy and a National System for Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD), Providing Funds Therefor and For Other Purposes , the following rules and regulations are hereby promulgated:

Rule 1

Policy and Application

SECTION 1. Purpose. - These Rules and Regulations shall provide the concerned national government agencies, local government units, other public institutions, non-government organizations, people ™s organizations and private institutions with guidelines for the implementation of a comprehensive national policy institutionalizing the National ECCD System to ensure that basic health, nutrition, psychosocial and learning needs of children from conception to age (6) are adequately and substantially met.

SECTION 2. Statement of Policies. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to institutionalize a National System for Early Childhood Care and Development that is comprehensive, integrative and sustainable, through complementary strategies to:

a. Promote the rights of children to survival, development and special protection with full recognition of their childhood and special needs;

b. Promote the inclusion of children with special needs and advocate respect for cultural diversity;

c. Support and educate parents in their roles as primary caregivers and as their children ™s first teachers;

d. Promote community development efforts through the active involvement and support of communities to improve the quality of life of young children and families; and

e. Utilize multi-sectoral and inter-agency collaboration at the national and local levels among governments, service providers, families and communities; and among the public and private sectors, non-government organizations, professional and academic institutions.

SECTION 3. Objectives. - The National ECCD System aims to:

a. Achieve improved infant and child survival rates by ensuring that adequate health and nutrition programs are accessible to young children and their mothers from the pre-natal period throughout the early childhood years;

b. Enhance the physical, social, emotional, cognitive, psychological, spiritual and language development of young children;

c. Enhance the role of parents and other caregivers as the primary caregivers and educators of their children from birth onwards;

d. Facilitate a smooth transition from care and education provided at home to community or school-based setting and to primary school;

e. Enhance the capabilities of service providers and their supervisors to comply with quality standards for various ECCD programs;

f. Enhance and sustain the efforts of communities in promoting ECCD programs and ensure that special support is provided for poor and disadvantaged communities;

g. Ensure that young children are adequately prepared for the formal learning system and that both public and private schools are responsive to the developmental needs of these children;

h. Establish an efficient system for early identification, prevention, referral and intervention of development disorders and disabilities in early childhood; and

i. Improve the quality standards of public and private ECCD programs through, but not limited to, a registration and credential system for ECCD service providers.

SECTION 4. Definition of Terms. - As used in these Rules and Regulations, unless the context requires otherwise -

a. Act - refers to Republic Act No. 8980 otherwise known as the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Act;

b. Child/children - refers to a person/s from conception to age six (below 7 years old);

c. ECCD System - refers to the comprehensive, integrative and sustainable programs, policies and implementation structures and mechanisms designed to ensure the well-being, optimum growth and development of children;

d. ECCD Programs - refer to the full range of health, nutrition, early education, psycho-social and other services that provide for the holistic needs of children as defined and implemented at national and local levels which include center-based and home-based programs;

e. Center-based programs - refer to services at the community level undertaken in a center, school or in the workplace such as the Day Care Service established under Republic Act No. 6972, public and private pre-schools, kindergarten or school-based programs, community or church-based early childhood education programs initiated by non-government organizations or people ™s organizations, workplace-related child care and education programs, child-minding centers, and health centers and stations;

f. Home-based programs - refer to services at the family level undertaken at home or in the neighborhood such as neighborhood-based play groups, Parent Effectiveness Service (PES), family day care programs or child-minding homes, parent education and home visiting programs;

j. ECCD Service Providers - refers to the various professionals, paraprofessionals, volunteer caregivers and organizers who are directly responsible for the care and education of young children through the various center and home-based ECCD programs. They include but are not limited to social workers, teachers, physicians, nurses, nutritionist-dietitians, psychologists, day care workers, teacher-aides, rural health midwives, community organizers, community health workers, barangay nutrition scholars, PES volunteers, child development workers and family day care providers;

k. ECCD Curriculum. - refers to the age-and developmentally-appropriate educational objectives, program of activities, organized learning experiences and recommended learning materials for children that are implemented by service providers through center and home-based programs. It shall consist of national program goals and guidelines, instructional objectives, and content outlines integrating local learning experiences and indigenous learning materials;

l. Parent Education. - refers to the various formal and alternative means of providing parents with information, skills, values formation and support system to assist them in their roles as their children ™s primary caregivers and educators. These include public and private parent education programs linked to center, home and media-based child care and education programs;

m. Registration and Credential System - refers to the system dealing with qualification standards, registration, accreditation, and equivalency of ECCD service providers and supervisors based on competencies and skills including work experience, formal and alternative educational qualifications;

n. User Fees - refer to payments whether monetary or non-monetary for the participation of a child in public and private ECCD programs.

Rule II

System Framework and Components

SECTION 5. System Framework. - The National ECCD System Framework is anchored on the principle that the child is at the center of development whose needs are holistic. The system empowers the family, community and institutions to maximize their participation and support to the ECCD program.

The comprehensive, integrative and sustainable attributes of this system shall be effected through the convergence of health, nutrition, early education, and psycho-social concepts, goals, processes, approaches and services in all programs covered by the system. These shall be effected through the various system components that comprise a supportive and responsive ECCD growth and learning environment for children.

A participatory and direct-action approach to delivery of accessible, affordable services that are supportive of family ™s socio-economic and cultural environment shall be institutionalized where families, communities and organizations are equal ECCD partners of the government.

SECTION 6. System Components. - The National ECCD System shall include the following components:

a. ECCD Curriculum;

b. Parent Education and Involvement, Advocacy and Mobilization of Communities;

c. Human Resource Development Program;

d. ECCD Program Management; and

e. Quality Standards and Accreditation.

A. ECCD Curriculum

SECTION 7. Objectives and Characteristics of ECCD Curriculum. - The ECCD curriculum shall focus on the child ™s total development according to their individual needs and socio-cultural background. It shall promote the delivery of complementary and integrative services for health care, nutrition, sanitation, early childhood education, psycho-social, cultural and value formation activities. It shall use the child ™s first language as the medium of communication.

It shall likewise be:

a. Consistent with national policies, program goals, standards and guidelines;

b. Comprehensive and integrates health, nutrition, early education, psycho-social and other services;

c. Age-appropriate and developmentally-appropriate; and

d. Gender-fair, culturally-relevant and responsive to the needs of diverse groups of children.

SECTION 8. Development of Standards for ECCD Curriculum - The National ECCD Coordinating Council (NECCDCC), in consultation with local ECCD coordinating committees, local ECCD specialists, parents, service providers and other stakeholders shall develop, periodically review and enrich the ECCD curriculum standards. It shall take into consideration the existing curricula used in day care centers, schools and parent education and involvement programs. Such standards shall be promoted and disseminated among and adapted by public and private institutions and organizations to serve as guide and basis for their own curriculum development.

B. Parent Education and Involvement, Advocacy and Mobilization of Communities

SECTION 9. Objectives. - The Parent Education and Involvement, Advocacy and Mobilization of Communities Component shall harness and develop parent ™s strengths and capabilities as:

a. Primary caregivers/providers of ECCD at home;

b. Active partners of other stakeholders;

c. Advocates for community concerns that affect children; and

d. Pillars of support for local and national ECCD programs through community organization efforts.

SECTION 10. Organizations/Strengthening of Parent and Community Support Groups. - In order to achieve the objectives of this component, parent and community support groups shall be organized and/or strengthened. The NECCDCC, through the local ECCD Coordinating Committees, shall ensure that these groups function and focus on:

a. Creating a family environment conducive to the full and harmonious development of the child ™s personality;

b. Strengthening and expanding parent participation in existing center-based and home-based programs;

c. Promoting knowledge and practices and disseminating relevant information on health, nutrition, early education, psycho-social development, values and spirituality and other services among parents and communities;

d. Generating support and resources by mobilizing communities, peoples ™ and non-government organizations to develop and implement ECCD action plans in partnership with the local government units; and

e. Establishing and strengthening linkages with other programs such as gender and development for enabling policies and support services for ECCD.

C. Human Resource Development Program

SECTION 11. Objectives. - To achieve the goal of professionalizing the ECCD volunteers, service providers, supervisors and program managers from the public and private sector, upgrading their competencies and developing their career path, the Human Resource Development Program shall:

a. Define core competency standards, training framework, strategies and mechanisms for continuing education of various ECCD service providers and volunteers;

b. Institutionalize a recruitment, registration, and credential system for ECCD service providers; and

c. Foster continuing education programs through formal education and other complementary and alternative forms of training.

SECTION 12. Development and Implementation. - The NECCDCC shall develop and implement a Human Resource Development Program in collaboration with public and private sectors including the local ECCD coordinating committees, professional associations, academic and other training institutions and organizations of the disciplines involved in ECCD - health, social, welfare, education and nutrition.

D. ECCD Program Management

SECTION 13. Management of Public and Private ECCD Programs - ECCD programs may be public or private and shall be managed in accordance with the following:

a. Public ECCD programs cover both nationally and locally-managed programs funded by government.

i. National programs are those funded and managed by national government agencies including government-owned or controlled corporations which shall include but not limited to school-based ECCD kindergarten and Grade 1 classes and workplace-related ECCD programs; and

ii. Local programs are those funded and managed by the local government units which include but not limited to maternal and child health services, day care service, parent education, home-based programs and workplace-related ECCD programs.

b. Private Sector programs are those managed and funded by private organizations and institutions, NGOs and POs duly recognized and/or accredited by the national government agencies in accordance with the standards set by NECCDCC. These private sector programs include but not limited to private pre-school programs, family day care and supervised neighborhood play.

SECTION 14. Processes Involved in ECCD Program Management. - ECCD program management shall involve the continuing processes of planning, implementation, supervision, monitoring, evaluation and financial management of both public and private ECCD programs. The NECCDCC shall be responsible for setting program standards and guidelines pertaining to program management processes in consultation with the different local ECCD coordinating committees.

SECTION 15. Planning and Budgeting. - At the national level, the NECCDCC shall adopt a 5-year ECCD plan which shall be the basis for the preparation of annual workplan. The annual workplan shall be prepared jointly by member agencies to coordinate their respective technical assistance and support for the national and local ECCD programs.

The ECCD coordinating committees at various local levels shall formulate their respective three (3) year ECCD investment plan and annual work and financial plan in accordance with the guidelines set by the NECCDCC and consistent with the goals and objectives for children as defined in the comprehensive local development plan. The plan shall then be submitted to their respective local development councils and Sanggunians for approval.

The local ECCD coordinating committees shall ensure that such plans are formulated before budget preparation and before the local development council submits its local its local development plan and annual investment program to the local finance committee.

SECTION 16. Implementation and Supervision. - The NECCDCC, including regional/sub-national counterparts, as appropriate, and the ECCD coordinating committees at the provincial, city and municipal levels, shall ensure the integration of health, nutrition, psycho-social development, early education and other services in their respective ECCD programs. Member agencies of the NECCDCC shall supervise and provide technical assistance in the implementation of their programs.

The Barangay ECCD Coordinating Committee (BECCDCC) shall ensure the comprehensive, integrated and sustainable delivery of ECCD services within their barangay. The individual members of the BECCDCC shall be responsible for providing direct ECCD services.

SECTION 17. Monitoring and Evaluation. - The NECCDCC, in consultation with the local ECCD coordinating committees and other stakeholders, shall develop a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system for both public and private ECCD programs. The M & E system shall determine the extent by which the achievement of the objectives of the ECCD programs are making significant changes in the quality of life for FIlipino children. The M & E system shall take into consideration the existing monitoring efforts of the government and shall involve the identification of common indicators to be monitored. Baseline data shall be generated based on information from implementing agencies and local government units (LGUs). Data to be generated from the M & E system shall be integrated into the management information system of various national government agencies and LGUs. It shall be consolidated by the NECCDCC and serve as basis for policy and program development and implementation.

SECTION 18. Financial Management. - (a) Funds coming from the NECCDCC shall be directly managed by the implementing LGUs through a special account established solely for ECCD programs and services consistent with the financial procedures provided in the Local Government Code.

b. Funds generated by LGUs from other sources shall be managed in accordance with the local fiscal administration as provided in the Local Government Code.

c. Funds generated by private institutions, NGOs and POs from external sources shall be managed following the financial management procedures promulgated by their respective governing boards and/or in accordance with their constitution and by-laws.

E. Quality Standards and Accreditation

SECTION 19. Development and Updating of ECCD Standards. - Each ECCD component shall conform to the national ECCD quality standards as established by the NECCDCC. The NECCDCC shall continuously review and upgrade such standards based on researchers, pilot studies and best practice models, among others, in consultation with the local ECCD coordinating committees.

SECTION 20. Adjustment of Existing Accreditation Processes and Standards. - The existing accreditation processes and standards of different government agencies shall be adjusted to conform to the prescribed national quality standards.

Rule III

Coverage

SECTION 21. Selection of Priority Areas. - The NECCDCC shall select at least three (3) regions for each year based on the criteria provided herein in order to achieve a national coverage for a period of five (5) years. All provinces, cities and municipalities within the selected region shall establish their respective ECCD System within a period of three (3) years.

SECTION 22. Criteria in the Selection of Priority Regions. - The NECCDCC shall consider the following criteria in the selection of priority regions:

a. Low level of participation of 3-5 year old population in existing day care and pre-school services; and

b. Number of provinces and cities with high incidence of poverty, low birth weight, infant and under five (5) mortality, malnutrition, maternal mortality, low participation rate in Grade I, and high drop-out rate among Grade I pupils.

SECTION 23. Determination of Priority Cities/Municipalities/Barangays in the Selected Regions. - The Provincial ECCD Coordinating Committee (PECCDCC) shall determine the priority component cities and municipalities using the following criteria:

a. Number of barangays with the most number of unmet 0-6 year old focused minimum basic needs (MBN) indicators;

b. Number of barangays with low participation rate in Grade I and high drop-out rate among Grade I pupils;

c. Willingness to participate and has ECCD as a priority program; and

d. Capacity to provide counterpart funds and resources under a viable cost-sharing scheme to be developed by the NECCDCC that ensures equitable access to special resources for ECCD by poorest municipalities.

The ECCD coordinating committees of component cities and municipalities, as well as of highly urbanized cities shall determine its priority barangays using the same criteria.

SECTION 24. Self-Starting LGUs. - A self-selection alternative is available for LGUs not selected as priority site for a given year but which can afford to institutionalize an ECCD System in its locality through counterpart funding to be determined by the NECCDCC.

RULE IV

Roles and Responsibilities in the Establishment of the National ECCD System

SECTION 25. Establishment of the National ECCD System. - The establishment of the National ECCD System shall be the joint responsibility of the national government agencies, local government units, non-government organizations and private organizations which are accredited to deliver the services, to provide training and/or technical assistance.

SECTION 26. General Roles and Responsibilities of the National Government Agencies. - The national government agencies that are member agencies of the NECCDCC shall:

a. Develop policies and programs supportive of and consistent with the ECCD goals and objectives;

b. Provide technical assistance and support to ECCD service providers in consultation with the local ECCD coordinating committees;

c. Jointly prepare annual workplan that will coordinate their respective technical assistance and support for the national ECCD program;

d. Consolidate existing program implementing guidelines that ensure consistency in integrated service delivery;

e. Integrate ECCD data/indicators in their respective management information system;

f. Conduct information, education and advocacy campaigns; and

g. Undertake resource generation and mobilization to support LGUs.

SECTION 27. Specific Roles and Responsibilities. - In addition to the roles and responsibilities mentioned in the preceding Section, the following agencies shall respectively perform the following:

a. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)

1. Develop social technologies and set standards for family and child welfare ECCD programs;

2. Register, license and accredit public and private ECCD centers, programs and service providers catering to children below 5 years of age;

3. Conduct research for policy formulation and program development;

4. Encourage the establishment of home and community-based ECCD services as well as workplace-based ECCD services in public establishments;

5. Promote and provide technical support on the use of developmental screening tools for early detection of children with disabilities; and

6. Conduct capability building activities for ECCD service providers.

b. Department of Education (DepEd);

1. Promote and support the national ECCD program in schools;

2. Make accessible existing facilities of public elementary schools for ECCD classes;

3. Supervise the implementation of school-based ECCD programs;

4. Conduct research for policy formulation and program development;

5. Set standards for curriculum, staff requirements and physical facilities for the operation of pre-schools as requirements for registration;

6. Conduct early identification, screening, surveillance of early childhood disabilities, developmental problems and giftedness; and

7. Issue permits to public and private pre-schools through their respective Division Offices.

c. Department of Health (DOH);

1. Develop guidelines, standards, plans and projects on ECCD consistent with the national ECCD objectives;

2. Develop capabilities of health workers and other ECCD service providers;

3. Ensure provision of EPI vaccine and micronutrients supplementation nationwide;

4. Ensure provision of health services at all DOH retained hospitals;

5. Promote and provide technical assistance on effective maternal and child health;

6. Promote and provide technical support on the use of developmental screening tools for early detection of children with disabilities; and

7. Conduct research for policy formulation and program development.

d. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG);

1. Develop capabilities of LGUs in the management of the ECCD system in collaboration with partner agencies;

2. Formulate and issue policies for LGUs in support of the ECCD;

3. Assist in the organization of LCPCs/ECCDCCs; and

4. Monitor and evaluate the functionality of LCPCs/ECCDCCs.

e. Department of Justice (DOJ);

1. Review and recommend reforms in laws and policies affecting ECCD;

2. Issue opinions on legal questions pertaining to the implementation of the ECCD law;

3. Promote among the pillars of the justice system the rights of young children; and

4. Promote and monitor services as part of its responsibility for coordinating and monitoring the implementation of the comprehensive program for child protection which includes ECCD as integral to the prevention of child abuse and exploitation.

f. Department of Agriculture (DA);

1. Encourage the mainstreaming of ECCD activities in the programs of all concerned agencies of the department;

2. Facilitate the creation of an environment that ensures better access to food by the farming and fisherfolk families; and

3. Integrate ECCCD concerns in the preparation of training modules by all concerned agencies.

g. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE);

1. Encourage the establishment of workplace based ECCD services in private establishments;

2. Ensure a workplace conducive to pregnant and lactating mothers; and

3. Strictly monitor the implementation of ECCD-related policies and labor standards by private establishments.

h. National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA; and

1. Ensure the integration of ECCD concerns in the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) and its companion document, the Medium-Term Public Investment Program (MTPIP), and the Regional Development Plans (RDPs);

2. Assist the NECCDCC in sourcing Official Development Assistance (ODA) funds for the implementation of priority ECCD projects including scholarship grants ECCD service providers;

3. Provide technical assistance in project development, evaluate and monitor implementation of priority project proposals on children for Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding; and

4. Facilitate the discussion of ECCD policy and program issues and concerns in the NEDA Social Development Committee and other inter-agency fora.

i. National Nutrition Council (NNC)

1. Mainstream ECCD in relevant programs and projects of the national plan of action for nutrition particularly capacity building of nutrition planners and program managers at national and local levels; and

2. Disseminate information on proper nutrition.

SECTION 28. Roles and Responsibilities of LGUs. - The LGUs shall:

a. Implement the national ECCD program by providing basic public ECCD services;

b. Support the organization of parent cooperatives to initiate the establishment of ECCD programs;

c. Ensure that service providers of public ECCD programs under their supervision shall be justly compensated, that adequate funds are made available, and their working conditions are conducive to fulfill national quality standards;

d. Provide counterpart funds for the training and continuing education of ECCD service providers, and supporting the operations of provincial, city/municipal and barangay ECCD coordinating committees/Local Councils for the Protection of Children (LCPCs); and

e. Ensure the active participation of various stakeholders at all levels in the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of ECCD projects and programs in their respective localities.

SECTION 29. Roles of Accredited NGOs and Private Organizations. - The accredited NGOs and private organizations shall have the following roles:

a. Initiate and or collaborate with national or local government in the establishment and implementation of ECCD programs through service delivery, training and/or technical assistance;

b. Supplement resources especially for needy and high risk children from poor communities; and

c. Actively participate in the undertakings of ECCD coordinating committees at respective levels as appropriate.

SECTION 30. Roles and Responsibilities of Families and Communities. - Families and communities shall support the local ECCD programs by participating in various projects for the overall development of their children. Specifically, families and communities shall:

a. Contribute monthly to subsidize recurrent costs in the maintenance and operations of ECCD facilities and programs;

b. Volunteer time and services especially in cases where parents cannot afford to shoulder the regular contributions or user fees;

c. Mobilize and generate resources in coordination with the local ECCD coordinating committees for the maintenance of ECCD facilities and sustainability of ECCD programs; and

d. Participate in the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of ECCD projects in their respective communities.

Rule V

The National ECCD Coordinating Council

SECTION 31. The National ECCD Coordinating Council (NECCDCC). - The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) shall also function as the NECCDCC. It shall ensure the sustained inter-agency and multi-lateral collaboration at the national, provincial, city/municipal and barangay levels.

SECTION 32. Composition of the NECCDCC. - The NECCDCC shall be composed of the following existing members of the CWC:

a. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD);

b. Department of Education (DepEd);

c. Department of Health (DOH);

d. Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG);

e. Department of Justice (DOJ):

f. Department of Agriculture (DA);

g. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE);

h. National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA);

i. National Nutrition Council (NNC);

j. Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) secretariat;

k. Two private individuals; and

l. A child/youth representative

In addition thereto, there will be two (2) private individuals, who are ECCD practitioners and experts, who shall be appointed by the President, upon the recommendation of the Council, for a term of two (2) years and who may be subject to only one (1) reappointment.

SECTION 33. Co-Chairperson. - The Secretaries of DSWD, DepEd, DOH, and DILG shall act as co-chairpersons of the NECCDCC and must be represented by a person with a rank not lower than an Undersecretary.

SECTION 34. Functions. - The NECCDCC shall have the following functions:

a. Promulgate policies and implementing guidelines for ECCD programs in consultation with stakeholders at various levels, including the regional level when appropriate, consistent with the national policy and program frameworks;

b. Establish ECCD program standards that reflect developmentally appropriate and culturally relevant practices for ECCD programs;

c. Develop a national system for the recruitment, registration, continuing education and equivalency, and credential system, of ECCD service providers, supervisors and administrators to improve and professionalize the ECCD sector and upgrade quality standards of public and private ECCD programs;

d. Develop and implement a system of awards and recognition to deserving ECCD program implementors and service providers;

e. Coordinate the various ECCD programs of each line agency and monitor the delivery of services to the ECCD program beneficiaries nationwide;

f. Evaluate and assess the impact and outcomes of various ECCD programs nationwide through an effective management information system;

g. Develop and establish a national system for early identification, screening, surveillance of early childhood disabilities, developmental problems and giftedness;

h. Develop and implement various support mechanisms that maximize the public and private resources for implementing ECCD programs, giving priority to the needy and high risk children from poor communities;

i. Provide counterpart funds to poor and disadvantaged communities for the establishment and expansion of public ECCD programs, improvement of physical facilities and for hiring of ECCD service providers;

j. Promote and encourage private sector initiatives for the establishment of ECCD programs;

k. Monitor user fees and contributions of public and private programs to ensure that these are affordable and within reasonable limits;

l. Provide guidelines for ECCD coordinating committees at the provincial, city/municipal and barangay levels for the conduct of solicitations and requests for assistance from local and international civic organizations, private philanthropic foundations to supplement available resources;and

m. submit an annual report to Congress.

SECTION 35. Secretariat. - The CWC Secretariat shall also serve as the Secretariat of the NECCDCC.

SECTION 36. Executive Director. - The Secretariat shall be headed by an Executive Director to be appointed by the President, upon the recommendation of the Council and shall have the rank, privileges and emoluments of a Career Executive Service Officer (CESO)1. Nothing herein shall prejudice any right vested upon prior to the enactment of the Act.

SECTION 37. Deputy Executive Directors. - The Executive Director shall be assisted by two (2) Deputy Executive Directors to be appointed by the Council - one shall be exclusively concerned with ECCD programs and activities and the other exclusively with the existing functions of the CWC.

SECTION 38. Secondment of Senior Technical Staff. - Each member agency shall assign a senior technical staff with salary grade (SG) not lower than eighteen (18) to assist the Deputy Executive Directors. They shall be selected on the basis of their qualifications and work experience in children ™s programs and concerns. They shall serve for a period of at least two (2) years subject to renewal, and shall be entitled to whatever additional remuneration the law allows for such secondment.

Unless otherwise provided in these rules and regulations, the existing Civil Service rules and regulations on secondment shall apply.

SECTION 39. Functions of the Secretariat. - In addition to its existing functions, the Secretariat shall:

a. Coordinate and monitor the implementation and enforcement of the policies and guidelines promulgated by the NECCDCC;

b. Coordinate the establishment of the ECCD Systems at various levels;

c. Conduct information, education and advocacy campaigns on ECCD;

d. Manage the funds for the establishment and implementation of the National ECCD System; and

e. Perform such other functions as may be directed by the NECCDCC.

SECTION 40. Sub-National Representation. - The Regional Committee/Sub-Committee for the Welfare of Children (RCWC/RSCWC) of the Regional Development Council (RDC) shall function as an extension of the NECCDCC. They shall, among others, perform the following:

a. Coordinate the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of all policies and programs for children in the region particularly ECCD programs;

b. Appraise and recommend approval to the NECCDCC of the work and financial plans submitted by the Provincial/HUC ECCD Coordinating Committees;

c. Advocate the promotion of ECCD and provide technical assistance to all stakeholders in the region; and

d. Such other functions as may be directed by the NECCDCC.

Rule VI

The Local ECCD Coordinating Committees

A. Province/Highly Urbanized City (HUC)

SECTION 41. The Provincial/HUC ECCD Coordinating Committee. - There shall be created in every province/HUC a Provincial/HUC ECCD Coordinating Committee under the Provincial/City Development Council.

SECTION 42. Composition. - The Provincial/HUC ECCD Coordinating Committee shall be chaired by the Provincial Governor/City Mayor and composed of the following members;

a. Schools Division Superintendent;

b. Provincial/City Planning and Development Coordinator;

c. Provincial/City Budget Officer;

d. Provincial/City Health Officer;

e. Provincial/City Director of DILG;

f. Provincial/City Social Welfare and Development Officer;

g. Provincial/City Treasurer;

h. Provincial/City Nutrition Action Officer;

i. President of the Provincial League of Municipalities or the City Liga ng mga Barangay; and

j. Two(2) representatives of non-government organizations operating ECCD programs in the province/city appointed by the Committee, for a term of two (2) years, subject to one (1) reappointment.

SECTION 43. Functions. - The Provincial/HUC ECCD Coordinating Committee shall perform the following functions:

a. Coordinate the delivery of services and support from the NECCDCC and the national line agencies involved in ECCD programs;

b. Support and complement the resources available to municipalities and barangays in the province/city in the expansion and improvement of ECCD programs;

c. Actively support the development and implementation of the Human Resource Development Program for ECCD service providers and supervisors at the provincial, city, municipal and barangay levels;

d. Maintain an ECCD management information system including a registry/directory of ECCD programs and service providers;

e. Facilitate the accreditation process of ECCD programs and services in coordination with the national government agency concerned;

f. Prepare the provincial/HUC ECCD program and plan of action and its corresponding annual investment plan by integrating inputs of municipalities and component cities;

g. Adapt a provincial system for the early identification, prevention, referral and intervention of developmental disorders and disabilities in early childhood consistent with the national system;

h. Assist in the organization of component city/municipal/barangay ECCD coordinating committees;

i. Monitor all ECCD programs and projects including workplace-based program at the city, municipal, barangay and submit periodic reports to the RSCWC;

j. Initiate and support legislations of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan/Panlunsod relative to ECCD system;

k. Promote and encourage private sector initiatives for the establishment of ECCD programs; and

l. Such other functions as the NECCDCC may direct.

SECTION 44. Secretariat. - The Provincial/HUC ECCD Coordinating Committee shall organize a secretariat which shall coordinate and monitor the effective implementation of ECCD programs in the province. It shall be headed by the Provincial/City ECCD Officer, who shall be appointed by the Governor/City Mayor, upon the recommendation of the Provincial/HUC ECCD Coordinating Committee. He/she shall have the rank, privileges and emoluments of a Department Head.

SECTION 45. Qualifications of the Provincial/HUC ECCD Officer. - The Provincial/HUC ECCD Officer shall have the following qualifications:

a. Master ™s degree in any ECCD-related field such as social work, community development, health, education, nutrition and psychology; and

b. Experience in program management in related ECCD fields.

SECTION 46. Salaries, Allowances and Benefits. - For the first three (3) years of the establishment of the ECCD System in the province, the salaries, allowances and other benefits of the Provincial ECCD Officer shall be sourced from the NECCDC. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the salaries, allowances and other benefits of the Provincial ECCD Officer shall be provided by the province.

The Provincial Government may create staff positions or may detail qualified staff from other units to assume the additional tasks as required by the Act as well as provide logistic support in the performance of their functions.

In the case of the ECCD Officer of highly urbanized cities, his/her salaries, allowances and other benefits shall be paid by and charged against the local government funds including that of the other staff who shall assume the secretariat ™s work for the ECCD program.

B. Component City/Municipality

SECTION 47. The City/Municipal ECCD Coordinating Committee. - There shall be created in every city and municipality a City/Municipal ECCD Coordinating Committee under the City/Municipal Development Council.

SECTION 48. Composition. - The City/Municipal ECCD Coordinating Committee shall be chaired by the City/Municipal Mayor, and composed of the following members:

a. Schools Division Superintendent/District Supervisor;

b. City/Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator;

c. City/Municipal Budget Officer;

d. City/Municipal Health Officer;

e. City/Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer;

f. City/Municipal Local Government Officer;

g. City/Municipal Treasurer;

h. City/Municipal Nutrition Officer or Nutrition Action Officer;

i. City/Municipal President of the Liga ng mga Barangay;

j. Parent-Teachers-Community Federation President in the City/Municipality; and

k. Two (2) representatives of non-government organizations involved in ECCD programs, appointed by the Committee for a two (2) year term, subject to one (1) reappointment.

SECTION 49. Functions. - The City/Municipal ECCD Coordinating Committee shall perform the following functions:

a. Coordinate and monitor the delivery of services at the barangay level:

b. Support and complement the resources available to barangays in the expansion and improvement of ECCD programs;

c. Develop and implement a Human Resource Development Program for ECCD service providers and supervisors at the city/municipal and barangay levels;

d. Facilitate the accreditation process of ECCD programs and services in coordination with the national government agency concerned;

e. Ensure proper documentation of service delivery and accurate reporting and timely submission of such reports to the PECCDCC;

f. Establish and maintain an ECCD database;

g. Prepare a city/municipal ECCD program and plan of action and its corresponding annual investment plan for submission to the PECCDCC;

h. Organize and strengthen the Barangay ECCD Coordinating Committees/Barangay Councils for the Protection of Children;

i. Implement the early screening and intervention program for children with disabilities and other special needs at the barangay and municipality/city levels;

j. Mobilize and encourage private sector initiatives for the establishment of ECCD programs;

k. Recommend and support the passage of local legislations by Sangguniang Panlungsod/Bayan relative to ECCD programs and services;

l. Provide support or subsidy for the improvement and expansion of ECCD programs and services in the neediest barangays of the municipality/city; and

m. Such other functions as the NECCDCC may direct.

SECTION 50. Secretariat. - The City/Municipal ECCD Coordinating Committee shall organize a secretariat which shall coordinate and monitor the effective implementation of ECCD programs in the city/municipality. It shall be headed by the City/Municipal ECCD Officer, who shall be appointed by the Mayor, upon the recommendation of the City/Municipal ECCD Coordinating Committee. Such officer may be the Social Welfare and Development Officer provided that he/she is supported by sufficient staff.

SECTION 51. Qualifications of the City/Municipal ECCD Officer. - The Municipal ECCD Officer shall have the following qualifications:

a. College degree in an ECCD-related field such as social work, community development, health, nutrition, education and psychology; and

b. Direct experience in service delivery in ECCD.

SECTION 52. Salaries, Allowances and Benefits. - The salaries, allowances and other benefits of the City/Municipal ECCD Officer and other staff who will assume the secretariat ™s work for the ECCD programs shall be charged against the local government funds.

C. Barangay

SECTION 53. The Barangay ECCD Coordinating Committee (BECCDCC). - The Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) created under Presidential Decree No. 603 shall also function as the Barangay ECCD Coordinating Committee. As such, all barangays shall establish BCPC in their respective areas.

SECTION 54. Composition. - The BCPC/BECCDCC shall be composed of among others, the following:

a. Punong Barangay;

b. School head/s in the barangay;

c. Barangay health midwife;

d. Barangay health worker;

e. Barangay nutrition scholar;

f. Day care worker/s;

g. Sangguniang Kabataan Chairperson;

h. A representative of child focused NGOs/POs; and

i. Two (2) representatives from parent organization in the barangay, if any, or any two (2) responsible parents in the barangay to be determined by the BECCDCC

The members of the BCPC/BECCDCC shall elect from among themselves the Chairperson. They may choose to appoint a co-chairperson specifically for its function as the ECCD coordinating committee at the barangay level.

SECTION 55. Functions. - The BCPC, in fulfilling its responsibilities as the Barangay ECCD Coordinating Committee, shall have the following functions:

a. Ensure sustained delivery of basic public ECCD services at the barangay level such as the day care program, home-based child minding, family day care, neighborhood playgroups, parent effectiveness service, maternal and child health programs at the health center or station, nutrition education and growth monitoring through barangay nutrition scholars;

b. Implement early screening, child surveillance and referral systems at the barangay level in cooperation with the Municipal/City Health and Social Welfare Offices, the Schools District Office, NGOs and the private sector;

c. Conduct regular and sustained information and education campaigns on ECCD to enhance public awareness about ECCD;

d. Establish and maintain a barangay -level ECCD database linked to the city/municipal, provincial and national levels;

e. Consolidate reports from individual centers (health, day care), home-based programs and other program sites for submission to the HUC/City/Municipal ECCD Coordinating Committee;

f. Implement ECCD services as an integral prevention component of the Comprehensive Program for Child Protection as provided in R.A. No. 7610 also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination;

g. Prepare a barangay ECCD plan of action for integration in the barangay annual development plan;

h. Initiate and support the passage of local legislations by Sangguniang Barangay relative to the ECCD system; and

i. Such other functions as the NECCDCC may direct.

Rule VII

Financing ECCD Program

SECTION 56. Fundamental Principles in Financing ECCD Programs. - The following fundamental principles shall be considered in financing ECCD programs:

a. ECCD programs at community level shall be financed through a combination of public and private funds;

b. All public ECCD program providers shall prioritize children from families who are in greatest need and who can least afford private sector programs; and

c. The government shall support public ECCD programs through cost-sharing arrangement; and

d. Funds can be generated from local and international civic organizations, private philanthropic foundations to supplement available resources.

SECTION 57. LGU Support to Existing Health-Related Public ECCD Programs. - The following health and nutrition related programs shall continue to be supported by the LGUs; (i) primary health care; (ii) pre-natal and post-natal care, (iii) growth monitoring and promotion; (iv) nutrition education, (v) micronutrient supplementation and iv) supplementary feeding.

The Department of Health (DOH) and the National Nutrition Council (NNC) shall support the LGUs with additional resources and technical support in the implementation of the said programs as resources that are made available will permit.

SECTION 58. LGU Support to Day Care Program, PES and Other Parent-Child Development Programs. - The following programs shall continue to be supported by the LGUs in the form of basic infrastructure, provision of facilities, materials and equipment, and compensation for service providers: (i) day care program; ii) parent effectiveness service; iii) child-minding centers, iv) family day care; and v) parent-child development program.

The DSWD shall provide technical assistance in the implementation of the said programs.

SECTION 59. Support to Preschool/Kindergarten Program. - The DepEd, in cooperation with the Parent-Teachers-Community Associations where applicable, shall continue to support the kindergarten program in public schools by providing teacher training, supplementary learning materials and reference materials for ECCD programs.

SECTION 60. Agency Appropriation and Separate Line Items. - The DSWD, DepEd, DOH and DILG shall include in their respective annual general appropriations the necessary funding support for the implementation of the ECCD programs to achieve the national coverage within the five-year period and sustain the implementation of the said programs.

Expenses for ECCD programs and technical support packages provided by the DSWD, DepEd, DOH, DILG, DOLE, DA, DOJ, NEDA, and NNC shall be specified as separate line items in their respective annual budgets based on their annual ECCD workplans.

SECTION 61. Additional Fund Support for Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Class Municipalities. - The government member agencies of the NECCDCC through the NEDA may generate additional funds from inter-governmental and financial institutions to support the public programs in fourth, fifth and sixth class municipalities including the urban poor. Such funds shall be accessible to qualified LGUs through the Municipal Development Fund (MDF) or other financing mechanisms as prescribed by the Department of Finance (DOF) and based on guidelines from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

SECTION 62. Establishment of a Trust Fund. - The NECCDCC may establish a trust fund to assist LGUs in the expansion and upgrading of ECCD programs. Such funds shall not be paid out except in fulfillment of the purpose for which the trust was created or the funds received.

SECTION 63. Workplace-based or related ECCD Programs. - Corporations and employers shall support workplace-based or related ECCD programs in the form of physical facilities and recurrent operating costs. Such operating costs can be deducted from the taxable income of the corporation or employer, provided they do not charge user fees.

Rule VIII

Utilization of and Access to Appropriation

SECTION 64. Amount and Source. - The amount of Four Hundred Million Pesos (P400,000,000.00) per year from PAGCOR for a period of five (5) years is appropriated for the implementation of the national ECCD program and shall be released strictly in accordance with the government rules and regulations as well as procedures. This amount, being separate and distinct from the annual budget of the CWC, shall be directly remitted in four (4) quarterly installments to a special account of the Council.

SECTION 65. Utilization. - The appropriation mentioned in the preceding Section shall be utilized to finance the expansion and upgrading of the programs identified in Sections 57 and 58 of these rules and regulations in order to ensure increased accessibility to and improved quality of such programs. The NECCDCC may determine, if necessary, other areas where such appropriation may be utilized.

SECTION 66. Allocation and Release of Funds. - The amount mentioned in Section 64 shall be allocated to the LGUs selected pursuant to Rule III of these rules and regulations.

The NECCDCC shall allocate and release the amount to the selected LGUs in accordance with their approved annual work and financial plans and shall be covered by a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the NECCDCC and the recipient local government. The funds shall be coursed through the Office of the Governor for municipalities and component cities. The funds for HUCs shall be directly released to the Office of the City Mayor. The Office of the Governor and the Office of the City Mayor of HUCs shall be responsible for overseeing receipt of funds by the recipient municipalities/component cities/barangays. Both the timely offices shall ensure that funds are expended and utilized according to approved ECCD work and financial plans.

Such funds shall be managed in accordance with Section 18 (a) of these rules and regulations and any additional guidelines that the NECCDCC may promulgate.

SECTION 67. Organizational Adjustment Fund. - The amount of Thirty Million Pesos (Php30,000,000.00) appropriated to the CWC as Organizational Adjustment Fund (OAF) shall be utilized to finance the initial requirement for the NECCDCC to put the structures and facilities as well as finance orientations, capability-building needs and staffing required to operationalize this Act.

Rule IX

Final Provisions

SECTION 68. Separability Clause. - The declaration of invalidity of any provision of these rules and regulations or part thereof shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions.

SECTION 69. Repealing Clause. - Pertinent provisions of Presidential Decree No. 603 and Executive Order No. 233, s. 1986, all laws, decrees, executive orders, presidential proclamations, rules and regulations or parts thereof contrary to or inconsistent with these rules and regulations are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 70. Effectivity. - These rules and regulations shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.