Establishment and Coverage
- The Decree is officially titled the "Barangay Day Care Center Law of 1978."
- Mandates establishment of a Day Care Center in every barangay with at least 100 family heads.
Scope and Services of Day Care Centers
- Day Care Centers to cater to children aged 2 to 5 years.
- Focus on nutritional, social, and mental development needs.
- Services provided when parents are unable to care for their children during this critical developmental period.
Staffing Requirements
- Each Day Care Center must employ at least one female day care nursery worker.
- The worker must be in good physical health and competent in substitute parental care.
- Responsibilities include fostering social and mental development among children.
Accreditation and Oversight
- Day Care Centers are subject to accreditation by the Bureau of Family and Child Welfare under the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD).
- Accreditation assures compliance with relevant standards and quality of care.
Funding and Appropriations
- Funds for establishing and maintaining day care centers in depressed barangays may come from unexpended balances of local and national government funds.
- Additional funding sources include public donations and contributions from private and international organizations.
Implementation
- The Decree took immediate effect upon signing.
- Presidential authority invoked under constitutional powers for enactment.
Legal Authority
- Issued by President Ferdinand E. Marcos under constitutional authority.
- Enforced through the Office of the President and relevant government agencies.