Country: Philippines                          
Title:    Clarification on the Organization and Management of Public
          Pre School Classes
Author:            Jaime C. . Laya, Minister, MECS.  
Institution:       MECS
Citations:         Dept. Order No. 46, s. 1977, MEC Order No. 24, s.
                   1978, MECS Order No. 41, s. 1985.  
Descriptors:       Preschool education; School administration.  
Full text: 1.  The importance of providing our children with all the
  opportunities for their fullest development during their early
  years through preschool education has long been recognized.  In
  this regard, the Ministry has been encouraging the public sector to
  organize preschool classes as provided in BPS Memorandum No. 25, s.
  1971.  Paragaph 6 of the aforementioned policy specifically states
  that:

  "Since no funds are available for the salaries of Kindergarten
  teachers, self-supporting pre-elementary classes may be opened
  whenever parents are willing to pay a nominal tuition fee for their
  children and where instructional facilities are available.  In no
  case should funds from R.A. No. 5447 and/or national allotment be
  used for these classes".

  2.  The inclosed guidelines are being issued to improve the
  organization and management of public preschool classes.

  GUIDELINES IN ORGANIZING AND MANAGING PRESCHOOL CLASSES IN PUBLIC
  SCHOOL

  1.  Preschool classes may be organized by an elementary school
  through the school's Parent-Teachers Association or Teacher's Club.
   The facilities of the school may be utilized for this purpose.

  2.  Preschool classes in public schools should aim for the
  continuing improvement of their facilities, instruction and teacher
  equality, MEC Order No. 24, s. 1978 provides guidelines in these
  aspects.

  3.  The teaching and support staff of the school may be utilized
  for  the preschool classes who shall be chosen among the teachers
  of the school, preferably from among the primary teachers.  In
  cases where the number of teachers interested to teach exceed the
  number of classes, assignment shall be rotated.  Hiring of
  preschool teachers not in the service may be resorted to, provided
  that they comply with the requirements on teacher qualification as
  per MEC Order No. 24, s. 1978.  Community members may likewise be
  utilized as teacher sides.

  4.  Provisions in Department Order No. 46, s. 1977 must be observed
  in the selection and utilization of teachers for preschool classes.
   Provisions 2 and 3 of said Order state as follows:

  "2.  Under no circumstances, therefore, should a teacher whose
  salary comes from the national government be allowed to teach full
  time as a pre-elementary school teacher."

  "3.  However, teachers paid from national funds may teach
  pre-elementary school classes in addition to their service load as
  regular teachers and may be given honorarium/remuneration for such
  services."

  5.  The PTA or teachers club, as the case may be, shall keep a
  separate book of account covering income and expenses to be handled
  by an Assistant Treasurer who shall be a school teacher.  Financial
  reports shall be prepared on the preschool classes fund by the
  Treasurer.

  6.  Honorarium may be paid for teaching at a rate not exceeding
  P15/hour of actual teaching time.  The school principal and
  Assistant Treasurer, may be paid honorarium at a rate not exceeding
  P700/month.  The actual rates, however, shall be established in
  accordance with the financial condition of the program.

  7.  Part of the proceeds for the program shall be used for the
  improvement of the regular programs of the school.

  8.  Involvement of teachers in preschool education is relevant to
  school/areas implementing the Long Session Plan may be an
  acceptable Sariling Sikap Activity.