PARAÑAQUE City Rep. Joy Myra Tambunting filed a measure that seeks to establish an early learning program for young children.

House Bill 8796 or the proposed Early Learning Program Act mandates the Department of Education to establish and maintain an early learning program that provides learning services in all cities and municipalities.

“Early childhood education is considered to be the foundation of a child’s education,” the lawmaker said.

She pointed out that children learn to interact with other people and begin to develop interests during early childhood education.

During this period, children also develop social and emotional skills which will prove to be useful for the rest of their lives.

Under the bill, the early learning program shall be developed under the guidance of education authorities and experts in early childhoold development. It should be designed to improve child development through improved access to and increased coordination with health care services; increased access to enhanced early learning environments; and increased parental involvement.

The program shall be for pre-kindergarten children, including those with special needs.

Tambunting said that with better stimulation, support and nurture, children can grow into more successful learners.