By Prof. Praise E. Glory

The delegation from the Philippine Normal University (PNU) took a photo opportunity alongside with BECED students; Ms. Maristel D. Decio, BECED program chair; Mrs. Jorvelyn E. Espinosa; Mrs. Praise E. Glory, Principal of CPU Kindergarten; and Dr. Merle L. Junsay, Dean of the College of Education.

The Philippine Normal University (PNU), through its Educational Policy Research and Development Office (EPRDO), recently initiated a research project titled “Enhancing Pre-Service Teacher’s Proficiency in Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD): A Policy-Driven Approach to Effective Program Development and Implementation” and visited Central Philippine University (CPU) on October 30, 2024.

The study aimed to assess the alignment of teacher education institutions’ (TEIs) Early Childhood Education programs with the Early Learning Programs (ELP) outlined by the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council. As part of the research, the PNU delegation, led by Dr. Melissa T. Bartolome, with team members Dr. April Ann M. Curugan and Dr. Leonora P. Varela, convened at CPU Kindergarten to interview respondents.

These included third- and fourth-year Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECED) students, Ms. Maristel D. Decio, BECED program chair; faculty members Mrs. Jorvelyn E. Espinosa and Mrs. Praise E. Glory, who also serves as the principal of CPU Kindergarten; and Dr. Merle L. Junsay, Dean of the College of Education. Dr. Junsay shared insights about the CPU College of Education’s programs, while the delegation toured CPU Kindergarten’s facilities, observing its instructional materials, equipment, and classroom practices.

The research team’s visit highlighted the significance of first-hand data collection in identifying gaps and opportunities in teacher education programs. Through this initiative, PNU aimed to provide evidence-based policy recommendations to strengthen Early Childhood Education in the Philippines and enhance the preparation of future educators.