Implementation of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Program and the Challenges Faced by Child Development Workers (CDWs): Basis for Intervention

This study determined the level of implementation of ECCD and the challenges faced by CDWs in Daet, Camarines Norte. Specifically, it addressed: 1) the profile in terms of age, sex, civil status, educational attainment, honoraria, number of years teaching and attended relevant trainings; 2) the level of implementation of ECCD in Daet in terms of health and safety; physical environment and safety; interactions and relationships between staff and children; staff qualifications and continuing education; curriculum and assessment; family and community involvement; and leadership and support; 3) the significant relationship between the profile of the respondents and the level of implementation of ECCD Program; (4) the challenges faced by the Child Development Workers in the implementation of the program along with the aforementioned variables; 5) the significant relationship between the level of implementation of ECCD Program and the challenges faced; and 6) a proposed intervention to enhance the implementation of the ECCD program. The study involved 41 CDWs and 25 barangay education committee chairpersons in Daet. It used a quantitative, descriptive-correlational design and a survey questionnaire based on ECCD Council guidelines. The respondents were mostly 46 and above, female-dominated, mostly married, mainly college graduates in any field, earns above ₱6,500, with 0 to 10 years of teaching experience, and attended trainings. The ECCD is generally well-implemented and meets most standards, but some issues still need attention. Specific profiles are in significant relationship to the level of ECCD implementation, while others showed no significant effect, meaning not all influence implementation. Despite strong implementation, the program is still moderately challenging because of limited resources, training gaps, inconsistent family involvement, and management constraints. The challenges faced by CDWs are not directly linked to implementation levels, indicating despite full implementation, challenges still occur. To raise awareness on the challenges faced by CDWs, a brochure is developed and proposed