Strengthening formative education is better than one more year in high school.

(From Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Byline: Maricel L. Dacuycuy, Head, Early Childhood Education Division, Muntinlupa City

I have always been a firm believer in day care. That's why it came as a welcome surprise when President Macapagal-Arroyo announced that instead of an extra year in high school, children would have to start their education early.

It is at this stage that children's brains are like sponges, soaking up everything they see, feel, hear, smell, and taste, and keeping all these information for life. Strengthening the formative education of our kids is a lot better than forcing them to slog through another year at a time when raging hormones disrupt their learning processes.

However, instead of forming a new kindergarten curriculum, much attention should be devoted instead to improving the country's day care system. It is a common misconception that the day care serves as a babysitter and not as children's earliest idea of school.

In many places, day care education is done with hand-me-downs and improvised resources and facilities, as there is an apparent need for supplemental materials for daycare.

The City of Muntinlupa offers children (3 to 5 years old) a complete early education to prepare them for school. A Weekly Program Activity Guide (WPAG), which serves as the framework for a whole-year activity in the day care center, features self-discovery, learning about family, environment, community, country, and the world.