What is the legal basis for preschool education in Philippines?

The legal basis for preschool education in the Philippines is primarily found in Republic Act No. 10157, also known as the Kindergarten Education Act. This law mandates the inclusion of kindergarten as the preparatory level of basic education. While not explicitly called "preschool" in the law, kindergarten is the de facto preschool level in the Philippine educational system.

Beyond RA 10157, other laws and policies contribute to the legal framework surrounding preschool education:

* The 1987 Philippine Constitution: Article XIV, Section 1, mandates the State to establish, maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of education relevant to the needs of the people and society. This broad mandate provides the constitutional basis for the government's involvement in preschool education.

* The Basic Education Curriculum (BEC): The Department of Education (DepEd) develops and implements the BEC, which outlines the curriculum for kindergarten and early childhood development. This curriculum provides the pedagogical and content framework for preschool education.

* Various DepEd Orders and Memoranda: Numerous DepEd issuances provide further guidance on the implementation of kindergarten education, including standards, teacher training, and resource allocation.

In essence, while there isn't a single law explicitly titled "Preschool Education Act," RA 10157, coupled with the Constitution and supporting DepEd regulations, forms the comprehensive legal foundation for preschool education in the Philippines. The term "preschool" is often used colloquially to encompass kindergarten and other early childhood care and development programs, but the primary legal framework revolves around kindergarten as the mandated preparatory level of basic education.