Early childhood education is essential for children’s overall development, laying the foundation for their future learning and well-being.
In the Philippines, various daycare programs aim to meet the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs of young children, so that they grow into caring, capable, and responsible citizens.
Importance of Early Childhood Education
Early childhood care and education (ECCE) extend beyond mere preparation for primary school.
According to UNESCO, ECCE focuses on the holistic development of children, addressing their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs to build a solid foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.
This approach nurtures future citizens who are not only educated but also socially responsible and emotionally stable.
Key Programs and Their Benefits
1. MindChamps Preschool
MindChamps International PreSchool stands out as a premier educational institution for young children, offering a unique and comprehensive approach to early childhood education.
Cutting-edge Pedagogy
- S.M.I.L.E.S.TM Methodology: Integrates research and development from psychology, neuroscience, education, and theatre to create a holistic learning experience.
- Bilingual Curriculum: Nurtures all aspects of your child’s development, preparing them for a seamless transition from preschool to primary school.
Holistic Approach
- Proprietary Core and Enrichment Programs: Designed specifically by MindChamps, these programs cover a wide range of activities that foster holistic development.
- Champion Mindset: Exclusive to MindChamps, this approach instills values and character-building, encouraging children to be confident and the best they can be.
ChampionGold Standard MindChamps adheres to the ChampionGold Standard, which promotes excellence in all areas of education and care.
This standard focuses on three essential pillars:
- Quality of Teaching and Learning
- Promotes up-to-date and effective teaching methodologies.
- Provides continuous training and development for teachers.
- Quality of Care for Young Champs
- Prioritizes the well-being and safety of each child.
- Creates a nurturing and supportive environment.
- Quality of Leadership at All Levels
- Promotes strong leadership within the organization.
- Encourages best practices and continuous improvement.
MindChamps International PreSchool is more than just a childcare center; it is a nurturing environment where children are prepared to excel academically and personally.
The school’s commitment to cutting-edge pedagogy, holistic development, and rigorous teacher training sets it apart as a leader in early childhood education.
MindChamps has several centers across the Philippines, including The Fort, Greenhills, and Nuvali.
2. Cambridge Preschool
Cambridge Philippines prides itself on its PBEM x iSTEAM curriculum, which delves into diverse topics under Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math through experiential learning.
The program encourages children to inquire, explore, and innovate, preparing them for real-world problem-solving through creative solutions.
iSTEAM
- Embraces the philosophy of “thinking with hands,” involving hands-on inquiry and open-ended exploration of interesting topics in fun and age-appropriate ways.
Individualized Instruction
- Students receive developmentally appropriate materials tailored to various areas of development, such as Math, Language, Sensorial, and Fine Motor skills.
- Open enrollment allows students to join at any time of the year, so that they can catch up on missed lessons.
Engaging Routine Activities
- Circle Time: Enhances social and language skills through morning greetings, nursery rhymes, and songs.
- Play Time: Helps develop gross motor and socialization skills.
- Snack Time: Encourages independence as children set up tables, serve food, and clean up after eating.
- Grooming Time: Teaches self-help skills such as brushing teeth, dressing, and packing away.
- Story Time: Improves reading and speaking skills through independent and group story sessions.
Program Offerings Cambridge Philippines offers programs for various age groups:
- Toddler (1.6 to 2.5 years old)
- Junior Nursery (2.6 to 3.11 years old)
- Senior Nursery (4 to 4.11 years old)
- Kinder (5 to 6 years old)
Open Future Doors Book Series Launching in June 2018, the Open Future Doors book series targets the literacy development of preschool students aged 1.6-6 years.
By using real-life images instead of typical children’s illustrations, this series aims to develop a love for reading in every child.
Comprehensive Child Care Programme
Environment
- A conducive, loving, stimulating, responsive, and safe learning environment that allows children to explore, experiment, create, and learn freely.
Staff
- Warm, caring, nurturing, and qualified teachers and caregivers with positive attitudes of trust, respect, and understanding of children.
Programmes
- Developmentally appropriate preschool programs with concrete, interactive learning experiences tailored to each child’s individual needs, interests, abilities, and culture.
- Based on advanced educational theories, including multiple intelligences, ecological systems, Vygotskian framework, and Montessori methods.
Family Involvement
- Programs that encourage families and Cambridge Child Development Centres to partner in their child’s learning journey.
- Together, they nurture growing minds by igniting children’s love for learning.
Cambridge Philippines stands out as a leading preschool, offering a dynamic and nurturing environment that fosters the holistic development of young children.
Cambridge has numerous centers nationwide, including locations in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao.
3. Maple Bear
Maple Bear is a distinguished institution known for its comprehensive and immersive approach to early childhood education, rooted in the strengths of the Canadian education system.
Key Strengths
Holistic Development
- Curious: Encourages a passion for knowledge and learning.
- Confident: Helps students become deeply aware of their talents and potential.
- Independent: Prepares children to lead their own lives and decide their own paths.
- Analytical: Promotes free thinking and belief shaping.
- Flexible: Trains students to adapt to constant changes.
- Creative: Inspires enthusiasm for asking “what if?”
- Prepared: Equips students with the necessary knowledge and tools for outstanding performance in college, work, and life.
- Global: Cultivates bilingual and culturally literate individuals for a global future.
Strengths of Canadian Education Canada’s education system is consistently ranked among the best globally by PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment).
- Top Rankings: Canada ranks in the top 10 in reading, mathematics, and science.
- Bilingual Education Leader: Excels in both English and French, setting a high standard for bilingual education.
- Equal Access: Promotes quality education is accessible to all, not just in geographical or cost hot spots.
Unique Bilingual Education Maple Bear employs an immersion learning approach, proven effective in 16 countries.
- Early Start: Best started before age 7 for easier language acquisition.
- Benefits: Enhances concentration, analytical skills, multi-tasking, self-worth, and cultural perspective.
- Cognitive Boost: Bilingual education has been shown to improve cognitive skills and sharpen memory.
Play-Based Learning Play is at the core of Maple Bear’s Early Childhood programs, fostering natural curiosity and effective learning.
- Experiential Learning: Children manipulate, explore, and experiment with real objects.
- Imagination and Creativity: Play encourages imagination, essential for developing problem-solving skills.
- Holistic Activities: Language, literacy, numeracy, and natural world exploration are all play-based.
Bear Care Infant Program Bear Care caters to infants from 2 months of age, recognizing them as capable and active learners.
- Unhurried Environment: Provides a consistent, predictable routine with minimal transitions.
- Safe Exploration: Promotes safety while allowing for exploration and discovery.
- Family Involvement: Daily communication with parents to prioritize the child’s well-being.
Quality Assurance Maple Bear schools maintain high standards through continuous curriculum updates and professional training.
- Canadian Standards: Curriculum development and performance assessment based on Canadian standards.
- Professional Training: Regular training and mentorship for teachers by Canadian trainers.
- Annual Inspections: Comprehensive inspections promote safety and educational quality.
Benefits of a Bilingual Education
- Enhanced Cognitive Abilities: Bilingualism improves concentration, analytical skills, and multi-tasking.
- Early Language Proficiency: Early learners develop better pronunciation and language use.
- Cultural Exposure: Access to multiple cultures fosters a global perspective.
- Increased Self-Worth: Bilingual children often have higher self-esteem and identity.
Immersion Methodology Maple Bear’s bilingual immersion methodology helps children learn languages naturally by surrounding them with conversation and instruction in both English and Mandarin.
- Effective Communication: Students learn to communicate effectively in both languages.
- Comprehensive Learning: Emphasis on listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Play-Based Learning at Maple Bear Maple Bear’s approach to learning emphasizes play as a serious and essential activity for children.
- Natural Learning: Children learn best through exploration, discovery, and play.
- Critical Development: Play-based activities support cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Bear Care: Infant Childcare Program The Bear Care program at Maple Bear supports infants as capable learners, providing an environment for safe exploration.
- Unhurried Atmosphere: Structured yet flexible schedules meet infants’ needs.
- Developmental Support: Focus on attachment and relationship building.
Maple Bear has several campuses, including BGC, Eastwood, and Santolan.
4. The Abba’s Orchard
The Abba’s Orchard has grown significantly since its inception 25 years ago, becoming the first and only school system in the Asia-Pacific to offer a high-fidelity Montessori curriculum from infancy to adolescence.
With 14 campuses across nine major national hubs and over 1,400 students, the school is renowned for its commitment to authentic Montessori education.
Strengths and Unique Features
- Pioneering Montessori Curriculum: The Abba’s Orchard is distinguished as the first school in Asia-Pacific to provide a comprehensive Montessori curriculum for all developmental stages, from infancy to adolescence. This creates a consistent and holistic educational experience.
- NAMTA Certification: In 2003, The Abba’s Orchard became the first Asian school certified by the North American Montessori Teachers Association (NAMTA) for Adolescent Studies, highlighting its dedication to Montessori principles at all educational levels.
- Expansive Campuses: The school boasts unique campuses, including a 4-hectare farm campus in Bukidnon and a 2-hectare farm campus in Davao, providing students with an immersive learning environment that blends traditional classroom instruction with hands-on agricultural experiences.
- National Reach: From its beginnings in Bukidnon, the school has expanded to key locations across the Philippines, including Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Quezon City, Cebu, Taguig, Alabang, Antipolo, and more. Each campus maintains the high standards of Montessori education.
- Pedagogical Quality Center (PQC): The PQC upholds the highest quality of Montessori education through rigorous in-house training for all Montessori guides. With an average of 16 years of Montessori experience and AMI certification, PQC members uphold international standards and practices.
5. Maya Forest Preschool
Choosing the right preschool for your child is a major decision, and Maya Forest Preschool Manila offers a unique and enriching experience for young learners.
Located within the expansive 8,000 square meter compound in Sampaloc, Manila, the school utilizes its natural forest surroundings to create a distinctive learning environment.
Nature-Based Learning Environment
- Outdoor Classrooms: The school features outdoor classrooms that immerse children in natural settings, enhancing their learning experience.
- Forest Trail: A unique forest trail allows children to explore native trees and rare plants, fostering a connection with nature.
- Playground and Event Spaces: The campus includes a playground and a large tent for events, providing ample space for various activities.
Educational Approach Maya Forest Preschool follows a play-oriented educational approach that emphasizes learning through hands-on activities rather than traditional methods.
- No Homework or Tests: Children are not burdened with assignments or tests, allowing them to learn naturally and joyfully.
- Learning by Doing: The school believes that children learn best when their whole bodies are engaged, promoting active and experiential learning.
- Adaptability: Education at Maya Forest Preschool continues regardless of weather conditions, teaching children to be prepared and adaptable. Even on rainy days, classes proceed with children wearing raincoats and boots, turning every weather scenario into a learning opportunity.
The preschool is located in Sampaloc, Manila.
6. Rainbow Room Learning Center
Rainbow Room Learning Center has been a standard of quality progressive preschool education since 2010.
The school envisions children acquiring age-appropriate competencies, practicing independence, and boosting confidence, fostering a lifelong love for learning.
Key Strengths
- Experiential Learning: Rainbow Room places a high value on learning by doing, encouraging children to engage in hands-on activities that promote critical thinking and positive social skills.
- Individual Uniqueness: Respecting each child’s individual uniqueness is a core principle, so that every child’s learning needs are met.
- Social Responsibility: The school strongly emphasizes developing social responsibility, preparing children to be thoughtful and caring citizens.
- Family Culture: A culture of family is deeply ingrained, with passionate teachers who practice kindness, respect, and shared advocacy for teaching through play.
Programs Offered Rainbow Room offers a variety of programs tailored to different age groups and learning needs:
- RRLC T.O.T.S. (Teaching Our Toddlers at School): For toddlers aged 1.8 to 2.11 years old, focusing on physical, socio-emotional, and cognitive development through arts & crafts, sensory activities, music & movement, and socialization.
- RRLC C.L.A.S.S. (Children Learning Actively in School Setting): For children aged 3 to 5 years old, providing a structured environment that nurtures early literacy, numeracy, and writing skills with themes that evolve as children grow.
- RRLC H.O.M.E. (Honing skills through Online and Modular Education): An online and modular education program for children aged 3 to 5 years old, offering monthly lesson guides, virtual meet-ups, and parent support.
Special Programs
- RRLC S.P.A.R.K.L.E. (Special Program And Reinforcement for Kids with Learning Exceptionality): Tailored for children with special needs, offering socialization classes and one-on-one sessions based on play assessment results.
They have two campuses in Mandaluyong.
Video: Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Advocacy Video | Robi Domingo
The Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council helps create and implement early childhood programs for children aged 0-4 in the Philippines. As the primary government agency for this purpose, the ECCD Council focuses on establishing National Child Development Centers (NCDCs) nationwide. These centers serve as essential community-based venues delivering integrated programs on health, nutrition, early education, and social services to benefit Filipino children.
Conclusion
Daycare programs in the Philippines has a major part in the holistic development of young children.
By addressing their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs, these programs lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning and well-being.
With the collaborative efforts of national government agencies, LGUs, families, and communities, the Philippines is committed to providing comprehensive, integrative, and sustainable early childhood care and education for all children.
Investing in early childhood education guarantees that every child has the opportunity to succeed and contribute positively to the nation’s growth.