Law Summary
I. Rationale
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recognizes the essential role of children in nation-building and their rights to protection, development, and participation. The Day Care Service is established to provide supplementary parental care for children aged 0 to 5 whose parents cannot fully care for them due to work or other reasons.
- Key Points:
- Supports children's rights and development.
- Established under Republic Act No. 6972 and Executive Order No. 441.
- Day Care Service has been devolved to Local Government Units (LGUs) and is also implemented by various entities.
II. Mandate and Legal Bases
The DSWD's authority to accredit Day Care Centers (DCC) and Day Care Workers (DCW) is derived from several legal frameworks:
- Presidential Decree No. 603: Mandates that day care services be accredited and licensed by the DSWD.
- Republic Act No. 6972: Directs the DSWD to formulate accreditation criteria for barangay day care workers.
- Executive Order No. 340: Specifies DSWD's responsibility in licensing and accrediting day care services.
III. Definition of Terms
This section defines critical terms relevant to the guidelines:
- Day Care Center (DCC): Facility for children aged 3 to 5 years for part-time care.
- Day Care Worker (DCW): Trained providers of substitute parental care for young children.
- Accreditation: Process ensuring compliance with minimum standards.
- Accreditation Certificate: Recognition for DCCs meeting DSWD standards.
- Authorized Accreditors: Individuals certified to conduct accreditation assessments.
IV. Coverage and Applicability
The accreditation process applies to:
- DCCs: Operated by LGUs, NGAs, GOCCs, POs, or NGOs with DSWD licensing.
- DCWs: Individuals managing any of the accredited DCCs.
V. The Accreditation Process
Outlined steps for accreditation include:
- Application: Requests for accreditation are submitted to DSWD Field Offices.
- Assessment: Involves interviews, record reviews, and facility observations.
- Issuance of Accreditation: Certificates are granted based on assessment ratings:
- 5 stars: 5 years validity.
- 4 stars: 4 years validity.
- 3 stars: 3 years validity.
- 1-2 stars: Technical assistance provided until standards are met.
VI. Delineation of Roles
Roles are specified between DSWD Central Office and Field Offices:
- Central Office: Develop standards, ensure compliance, maintain national data.
- Field Offices: Identify accreditors, monitor accreditation processes, issue certificates.
VII. Benefits of Accreditation for DCWs
Accreditation provides various benefits, including:
- Monthly allowances from LGUs.
- Participation in DSWD training activities.
- Access to ECD networks and opportunities for conferences.
VIII. Suspension/Revocation
Grounds for suspension or revocation of accreditation include:
- Abuse or neglect of children.
- Use of the center for immoral purposes.
- Significant deviations from established policies.
IX. Separability Clause
This order supersedes prior inconsistent DSWD issuances.
X. Effectivity
The order takes effect immediately upon adoption on September 4, 2000.
Key Takeaways
- The DSWD establishes guidelines for the accreditation of Day Care Centers and Workers to ensure quality care for children aged 0 to 5.
- There are clear roles delineated between the DSWD Central and Field Offices in the accreditation process.
- Accreditation provides significant benefits for Day Care Workers but can be revoked for severe violations, ensuring accountability in child care services.