DepEd to start enrollment in Jan.
The Department of Education (DepEd) set an early schedule of enrollment for school year 2011-2012 next month or on January as part of its intensified efforts to achieve the 2015 Millennium Development Goal (MDG) targets.
The DepEd urged students and parents to take advantage of the pre-registration undertaking of the department and enroll before the May to June enrollment rush.
“One of the greatest challenges DepEd faces is convincing parents to bring their children to schools, to keep them there and finish basic education.
“Since Christmas break gives families a time to bond, we encourage our present students to convince their parents to enroll their younger siblings who are already of school age during the pre-registration period set by the department early next year,” the DepEd said in a statement.
The DepEd added that this move is among the efforts of the department to ensure that it remains on the right track in hitting the Millennium Development Goal targets and the Education For All (EFA) commitment as the 2015 deadline comes closer.
The DepEd also noted the government’s EFA commitment includes the provision of a quality program for pre-school and early childhood care and development for children aged three to five.
Research studies show that the critical years in a child’s life are from birth to six years. At this stage, basic character, values, abilities, personality, skills, aptitude, attitudes, and knowledge are formed.
Further research shows that children who have a slow start are likely to experience problems right through childhood and into adolescence.
The DepEd said with these facts and as provided under the Constitution the responsibility of the family and the government stressed the duty to ensure that every child gets all the support needed to create a headstart in education.
DepEd’s effort of providing quality pre-school education involves adoption of a standard curriculum, training and hiring program for pre-school day care’s teachers’ development, a nutrition and health program for students, construction of classrooms, and distribution of learning supplements to students.
The DepEd also reiterated that the government continues to implement the “no collection” and “no mandatory uniform” policy in public schools to encourage parents to send their children to school.
“We believe that early childhood care is a very sound government intervention program that guarantees our children’s smooth transition to primary school. It also gives them a better chance to complete basic education.” the DepEd said.
“Ultimately, a solid foundation in education is a sure route out of poverty. We would like to stress the need for us to work together to further improve early childhood care and education especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged sector,” the DepEd added.*PNA
