THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Board has officially approved the National Certification (NC) III for Child Development Workers (CDWs), marking a step toward professionalizing the early childhood care workforce and improving the quality of early childhood care and development (ECCD) services.

“This is a recognition of the critical role CDWs play in shaping the lives of our youngest learners,” said TESDA Secretary and former EDCOM 2 Commissioner Kiko Benitez.

“With the NC III for Early Childhood Care and Development, parents and guardians can be assured that our CDWs will acquire the competencies needed to support the holistic development of children aged 0–4.”

The certification aligns with Republic Act No. 12199 or the ECCD System Act, which mandates enhanced training, qualifications, improved compensation, and continuing professional development for CDWs and Child Development Teachers (CDTs).

This initiative follows findings from the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), which noted the need for greater support for CDWs and CDTs. According to its Year One Report, 16.8% (11,414) of CDWs have only completed high school, while 89% remain in non-permanent positions with an average salary of just ₱5,000 per month—lacking job security and access to benefits.

EDCOM 2’s Year Two Report emphasized the importance of strengthening early education by improving nutrition, access, and foundational literacy in Kindergarten to Grade 3 (Key Stage 1).

The creation of NC III was supported by Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, EDCOM 2 Co-Chairperson, who secured an ₱80 million allocation in the 2025 national budget for the initiative.

Under the new TESDA training regulations, CDWs will undergo standardized training and assessment covering child development center operations, assessment of child progress, and ECCD curriculum implementation.

“We have more than 68,000 CDWs nationwide, many of whom have not been provided the tools, training, or compensation they need. This certification is a critical step toward their professionalization and will improve both the delivery and quality of ECCD services,” Gatchalian said.

EDCOM 2 Co-Chairperson Rep. Roman Romulo added: “We cannot solve the learning crisis without strengthening its foundation. CDWs are on the frontlines. The new TESDA NC III is a key investment in their skills, dignity, and future. It will improve early childhood education, center management, and developmental outcomes for children.”

To support the rollout of NC III, TESDA launched the Regional Lead Trainers’ Development Program, aimed at developing qualified trainers at the regional level. These trainers will facilitate programs aligned with the new regulations. The program concludes on May 28, 2025, and includes a two-week industry immersion for further upskilling.