CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTERS IN MANOLO FORTICH AIM FOR NATIONAL ACCREDITATION THROUGH EVALUATION

External Assessment for Child Development Centers

The Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Deputized External Evaluators of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) kicked off their evaluation for Batch 2 External Assessment of operating Child Development Centers (CDCs) in Manolo Fortich last February 12, 2025. The evaluation, conducted for National Accreditation from the National Childhood Care and Development (NCCD), covered CDCs in Barangay Santiago, Maluko, Alae, and Mambatangan.

A total of 23 CDCs, along with their teaching staff, were set to be evaluated based on the Seven Areas of Assessment: Health, Nutrition, and Safety; Physical Environment and Safety; Interactions and Relationships (between staff and children, among children, and with other adults); Staff Qualifications, Staff Development, and Continuing Education; Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment; Family Involvement and Community Linkages; and Leadership, Program Management, and Support.

Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) ECCD Focal Person Catherine U. Palomar emphasized the importance of accreditation for CDCs, stating, “Grabe ang development sa bata from 0-5 years old, so dapat matutokan gyud sila sa ingani nga edad. Naay impact ang ilang early child education sa ilang pagdako. Need nato ang accreditation para matanaw nato if nisulod ba siya sa standards of high quality education nga giset ni NCCD.”

Accreditation levels granted by the ECCD Deputized External Evaluators will vary based on the score attained by the CDC and its teaching staff. These levels are: Level 1 – valid for three years, Level 2 – valid for four years, and Level 3 – valid for five years. The results of the evaluation will be endorsed by the PSWDO to the NCCD, which serves as the awarding body.

When asked about the benefits of NCCD accreditation, ECCD Deputized External Evaluators Team Leader Gladys Mapel J. Galera shared, “Atong malantaw if naa ba jud ang standard and quality na gipangita sa atong ECCD National Council and ma-assess nato asa ta pwede mag-improve. Naa na dayun na sa atong Local Chief Executive kung unsa iyang ma-arrange nga incentive sa CDC, teachers, and Child Development Workers para ma-boost and madugangan pa sila og kadasig to perform well.”

Under the leadership of Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño, Education for All ranks first on his 10-Point Agenda. This initiative focuses on providing quality education for children through various educational programs, such as the establishment of CDCs in barangays and sitios, as well as scholarships for high school and college students. By striving for National Accreditation, Manolo Fortich continues to nurture well-educated and promising future generations.