To:   Regional Directors
Schools Superintendents

1.   Preschool Service Contracting as an alternative delivery system aims to provide preschool experiences to prospective Grade I children in 5^th and 6^th class municipalities, urban poor communities and relocation areas.

2.   The program which was piloted in SY 1997-1998 for a period of 6 months has organized 1,565 classes. In SY 1998-1999, 1,860 classes were organized. The program provided preschool experiences to children in disadvantaged areas whose parents could not afford to pay’ for such services. Results revealed that children who underwent the said program had a smoother transition from home to formal schooling. Children have developed their self-confidence and their preparedness to learn was evident.

3.   The program will be on its third year of implementation this SY 1999-2000. All regions/divisions are requested to submit the list of prospective Grade I children for next school year in 5” and 6^th class municipalities, urban poor communities and relocation areas. These are the children who are not accommodated in any school-based preschool, day care center or learning institution. Private preschools and non-government organizations (NGOs) will be contracted as service providers.

4.   Enclosed are the Guidelines for the Organization of Classes under the Preschool Service Contracting Scheme which should be strictly followed.

5.   Immediate and wide dissemination of this Order is desired.

Incl.:
As stated
Reference:
DECS Memorandum No. 377, s. 1998
Allotment: 1—(D.O. 50-97)
To be indicated in the Perpetual Index

CLASSES
POLICY
PRESCHOOL EDUCATION