The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council on Wednesday signed a Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) to professionalize the early childhood care workforce.

During the signing held in Taguig City, TESDA Secretary Francisco Benitez underscored the government’s commitment to education reform and recognized the vital roles of child development workers in shaping the early years of children.

“By investing in their professional growth, we are strengthening the foundation of lifelong learning, community development, and national progress,” Benitez was quoted as saying in a news release.

This collaboration strengthens the government’s commitment to professionalizing the ECCD workforce and enhancing foundational learning for Filipino children.

The JMC outlines the operational guidelines for the implementation of the scholarship program, which aims to provide qualified childhood development workers with access to free training, competency assessment, and certification in ECCD Services National Certificate III.

“This partnership is a cornerstone in our shared vision to build a strong, resilient, and skilled ECCD workforce. We are proud to stand with the ECCD Council in opening doors of opportunity to thousands of CDWs who have long served on the frontlines of early childhood development,” Benitez said.

TESDA will lead the development of competency standards, training and certification of trainers, the registration of ECCD Services NC III programs to be offered by training providers, and certification of CDWs.

The ECCD Council, on the other hand, will assist in validating CDW eligibility, promoting the program nationwide, and coordinating with local government units to ensure proper placement and support for scholars. (PNA)