QUEZON 2nd District Rep. David ‘Jayjay’ Suarez and ALONA Partylist Rep. Anna Marie Villarica-Suarez filed a measure seeking to transfer Day Care Centers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development to the Department of Education.

In House Bill 6173 or the proposed Day Care System Act, the solons explained children availing of day care systems must have a safe and secure environment, head start on learning skills, and makes transition in the level of education easier.

“Parents consider professional day care centers to be the safest option for babysitting, and children who attend day care centers benefit from the wide variety of social and educational opportunities that the centers provide,” the lawmakers said in their explanatory note.

They explained the primary function of a daycare center is to provide a safe and secure environment with quality caregivers, so that parents have the peace of mind of knowing their children are safe while they work.

“Most children who attend a daycare through the preschool level are able to recognize and write letters and sight words and can do basic addition and subtraction. This makes the transition to kindergarten much easier, and gives them a head start on learning,” they added.

The solons also explained Day Care Center System forms part of the primary and basic education and shall create an efficient and effective curriculum within the appropriate age group of zero to four years of age.

The measure will also in effect place the children under the care and supervision of licensed professional teachers.

“Aside from being part of primary and basic education, it shall continue to protect and promote the best interest of children availing the day care system,” the solons further said.