Early Childhood and Special Needs Education

13/09/2026

MMSU College of Teacher Education launched Project PATHWAY: Promoting Advancement of Teachers from Elementary to Worthwhile Academic Years at CTE on September 10, 2026, bringing together LES and CTE faculty through mentorship, capacity-building, collaboration, and team building.

The initiative strengthens the bridge between basic and higher education while empowering educators to grow, collaborate, and advance toward academic excellence.

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05/09/2026

Happy birthday, Ms. September Lei P. Aguinaldo!

Wishing you a wonderful birthday filled with happiness, good health, and countless blessings! May this new year of your life bring you more opportunities and many reasons to smile.

Continue to shine and inspire others in your own special way! ✨

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31/08/2026

𝐄𝐂𝐒𝐍𝐄𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝟐 𝐨𝐟 “𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭” 𝐚𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐨𝐚𝐠 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐃𝐖𝐬 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐄𝐂𝐂𝐃

On August 28, 2026, the ECSNEd Department of Mariano Marcos State University–College of Teacher Education (MMSU-CTE) held Day 2 of its extension project, “Project Detect and Connect,” bringing together 54 Child Development Workers (CDWs) from the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Laoag City for a focused Zoom teleconference on intervention planning, implementation, and inclusive early childhood care and development (ECCD).

Day 2 built on the foundations laid in Day 1, beginning with a concise recap to align participants on key concepts and goals before moving into three core sessions. Session 7: Planning of Intervention Activities, led by Mr. Vernon Jeffery S. Ponce, project leader, guided CDWs in translating assessment insights into targeted, developmentally appropriate intervention activities for young learners. This was followed by Session 8: Implementation and Evaluation of Intervention Activities, facilitated by Dr. May Flor C. Rivera, Chair of the ECSNEd Department, which focused on practical strategies for carrying out interventions in ECCD settings and using simple, meaningful evaluation tools to monitor progress. The day’s final lecture, Session 9: Inclusion beyond ECCD, was delivered by Ms. Angelica A. Ancheta, Department Secretary, who expanded the conversation toward sustainable inclusion and how CDWs can foster belonging and participation across home, center, and community contexts.

Following the lectures, participants engaged in Workshop 3, where six groups collaboratively developed and accomplished three essential documents: the Child Intake Form, the Individual Learning and Development Plan (ILDP), and the Weekly Learning Plan. These outputs are designed to standardize intake processes, personalize learning pathways, and ensure weekly instruction is intentional, observable, and aligned with each child’s needs.

The extension project is a collaboration between MMSU-CTE’s ECSNEd Department and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) of Laoag City, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening the capacity of CDWs who serve young children in the city’s ECCD programs. By coupling theory with hands-on workshop tasks, the initiative supports national priorities on quality early learning and inclusion while grounding practice in local realities.

The series will culminate on September 4, 2026, with Day 3, dedicated to the presentation of outputs by the CDW groups. This final session will allow participants to showcase their completed outputs, receive feedback, and discuss next steps for integrating these tools into their daily ECCD work.

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31/08/2026

𝐄𝐂𝐒𝐍𝐄𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 “𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭” 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐚𝐨𝐚𝐠 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐃𝐖𝐬

The Early Childhood and Special Needs Education (ECSNEd) Department of the Mariano Marcos State University–College of Teacher Education (MMSU–CTE) held the first day of “Project Detect and Connect” on August 13 at the CTEx Hall, bringing together Child Development Workers (CDWs) from Laoag City for a full-day training on early detection, family support, and referral pathways for young children. The day began with registration, followed by opening messages from College Dean Dr. Candy S. Lasaten, Hon. City Councilor Justine Clarence Chua, who delivered a message on behalf of the City Government of Laoag, and City Social Welfare and Development Officer Perlita Cabello.

The morning sessions opened with Session 1: Programs and Services for Prevention, presented by Ms. Eva R. dela Rosa, President of Laoag City’s RHU 2. This was followed by Session 2: Family Education and Support Programs, facilitated by Mr. Jeremy Adrian D. Guiang, one of the project staff. Session 3: Process of Identification was then led by Ms. Angla V. Malinay, Adviser of Pre-K2, MMSU-CIECE. After these lectures, participants engaged in a workshop conducted by six groups on the accomplishment of the Effective Parent-Teacher Conference form, facilitated by Mr. Jeremy Adrian D. Guiang.

In the afternoon, Session 4: Recognizing the Processes and Importance of Referral was presented by Prof. Leonardo D. Tejano, one of the project staff. Session 5: Creating a Positive Conference with Parents and Supervisors was facilitated by Ms. Crystal Limos, faculty of the ECSNEd Department. Session 6: Referral of Children-at-risk to Specialist was delivered by Ms. Jasmin Mari S. Domingo, a special education teacher from Play Space Therapy Center. These sessions were followed by a workshop on the process of referral, where CDWs applied the procedures discussed and practiced preparing the necessary documentation.

Day 1 concluded with a reflection and commitment segment, where CDWs articulated their insights and personal commitments to applying early detection and referral practices in their centers. The training will continue with Day 2 on August 28, focusing on intervention planning, implementation and evaluation, and inclusion beyond ECCD, before culminating on September 4 with the presentation of outputs and awarding of certificates.

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12/08/2026

Tomorrow, 13 August 2026, Project DETECT AND CONNECT: A Program for Early Identification and Intervention of Children with Special Needs — an extension of the BECED program will be launched in partnership with the City Social Welfare and Development Office of Laoag City; the initiative will equip Child Development Workers and teachers with practical skills to recognize developmental concerns, guide supportive home practices, and link families to professional services and referrals through a series of workshops and hands-on demonstrations scheduled for August 13, August 28, and September 4, strengthening community-based early detection and support.

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03/08/2026

31/07/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐬: 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

The Early Childhood and Special Needs Education Department (ECSNED) successfully conducted its session of the Global Horizons: Mentoring Program for Teaching and Learning Excellence on July 30, 2026, at the CHED Center for Teaching Excellence Training Hall, College of Teacher Education. The session was attended by third-year students of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECEd) and Bachelor of Special Needs Education (BSNEd), together with faculty members of the College of Teacher Education.

The program featured Ms. Alyssa Jill E. Lagundino, a proud alumna of the Mariano Marcos State University - College of Teacher Education, where she earned her Bachelor of Elementary Education major in Preschool Education. Now a Pædagog at the International Montessori Preschool in Copenhagen, Denmark, she shared her inspiring journey from being an MMSU student to becoming an educator abroad. She also expressed her heartfelt gratitude to her former professors and to Mariano Marcos State University, emphasizing that the guidance, knowledge, and values she gained during her years at the University have greatly shaped both her career and the person she is today.

Drawing from her teaching experiences in Singapore and Denmark, Ms. Lagundino shared valuable insights into international teaching practices, cultural diversity in education, and the opportunities and challenges of teaching in different countries. She also introduced the Montessori curriculum, highlighting its child-centered philosophy and developmentally appropriate practices. Her engaging discussion sparked the students' interest and encouraged them to broaden their perspectives on teaching and learning beyond the Philippine setting.

The ECSNEd Department extends its sincere appreciation to Ms. Alyssa Jill E. Lagundino for generously sharing her knowledge, experiences, and inspiring story. Her journey serves as a reminder that with dedication, perseverance, and a strong educational foundation, Filipino educators can make a meaningful impact anywhere in the world.

Through its participation in the Global Horizons: Mentoring Program for Teaching and Learning Excellence, the ECSNEd Department reaffirms its commitment to preparing future educators with a global perspective, inspiring them to pursue excellence and embrace opportunities for professional growth in both local and international educational settings.

Photo credits: The CTE Bulletin

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11/07/2026

𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫, 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔-𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕

The Early Childhood and Special Needs Education (ECSNEd) Department held its First Departmental Meeting for the First Semester, School Year 2026-2027 on July 10, 2026, at the CIECE Pre-K Room, in preparation for the upcoming activities.

The meeting was led by Dr. May Flor C. Rivera, who facilitated discussions on important agenda, including the preparations for the Level IV reaccreditation of the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECEd) Program under the Community Service area, departmental extension initiatives, research updates, and instructional materials development.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for faculty members to exchange updates, align departmental plans, and reinforce their shared commitment to excellence in instruction, research, extension, and community engagement. Through collaborative planning, the ECSNEd Department continues to strengthen its initiatives in support of quality teacher education and responsive service to its stakeholders.

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09/07/2026

𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐎𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭-𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐬

On July 8, 2026, the Early Childhood and Special Needs Education Department (ECSNED) successfully conducted its Department Orientation at the CTEx Hall, welcoming first-year students from the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECEd) and Bachelor of Special Needs Education (BSNEd) programs, together with shiftees and transferees.

The orientation provided students with essential information about the department, university and college policies, program expectations, and the opportunities and responsibilities that come with being part of the ECSNED community. It also served as an avenue for students to meet and be introduced to the faculty members who will guide and support them throughout their academic journey.

The department was honored by the presence of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Aris Reynold V. Cajigal, who warmly welcomed the students and encouraged them to embrace their chosen programs. He emphasized that the programs under ECSNED are considered priority programs, highlighting their significant role in preparing future educators who will contribute to quality and inclusive education.

Dr. May Flor C. Rivera, Department Chair, shared valuable insights about the department, its vision, mission, and commitment to developing competent, compassionate, and innovative educators.

The BECEd program was presented by Mr. Jeremy Adrian D. Guiang, who discussed the program’s goals, curriculum, and expectations in preparing future early childhood educators. Meanwhile, the BSNEd program was introduced by Mr. Vernon Jeffery S. Ponce, highlighting the program’s role in advancing inclusive education and equipping future special needs educators with the knowledge and skills to support diverse learners.

As the ECSNED family welcomes its newest members, we look forward to a meaningful journey of learning, growth, and service. May this orientation inspire our students to become future educators who advocate for every child and create inclusive learning environments where all learners can thrive.

Welcome to the ECSNED family! Together, let us nurture possibilities and shape the future of education.

Photo Credits: The CTE Bulletin

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