With this in mind, we set out to follow the directions of the women with whom we met at the beginning of our mission here in Isla, Maricaban. They simply asked for, ‘something for education’, and our work in this field has developed year by year until we have several different programs for different age groups. There are 155 children who attend the Centre between the ages of birth to 3 years. 65 children between the ages of 3-6 years.

1. Mother and baby group. This serves the mothers with babies from birth to 1 year old. Educational toys are provided and mothers have an opportunity to socialize with each other and to increase their parenting skills.
2. Parent and toddler group: serving parents and children 1-2 years. It is sometime the father who is the primary caregiver in the family, or he may simply wish to bring the child to the group when he has time off from his work. Again toys are provided that are suitable to the age of the children in order to stimulate their interest and to develop skills.
3. The 2-3 year group prepares the children to separate a little from their parents as they learn to sing nursery rhymes and action songs. They get involved in more structured activities such as threading large beads or colored macaroni, drawing, and imaginative play.

In all these groups the children have developmental assessments done at regular intervals in order to see at an early stage any deviation from what is regarded as 'normal' for the child’s age..

Children aged 3 to 6 yrs. years

These children ( 2 groups of 25 and 35 children) are taught pre-school activities that capture their interest and encourage their growth in independence. The members of staff are mostly mothers of families we are serving. They have received some training in Montessori methods of education from skilled Montessori teachers at the Internastional Montessori School in Forbes Park, Makati. These professionals together with volunteers from other countries share their knowledge and skills for the benefit of these children who are outside their own place of education.

The last venture we started was a class for children aged 5 yrs. who would not otherwise have preschool education. In this way the children do not lose what they have already learned , before they go to Public school at 6 years old..

Remedial Teaching Class

After a week’s hard work in her office, our faithful volunteer Fe, gives her time on Saturdays to organize this group. It is constantly developing with the help of students and seminarians from the Marist and Columban Orders , together with local volunteers from our Early Learning Centre and members of the youth group. Besides the emphasis on reading and writing input, the children learn through playing games and doing handicrafts. From time to time they have an outing to go swimming etc.

Special Needds

The 'special needs' support group encompasses families with a child who has 'special needs' of various kinds. The children may be diagnosed with development delays due to Cerebral Palsy, Prematurity of birth, Microcephaly, Downs syndrome or other conditions. Parents meet on Saturday mornings and share the progress of their children and celebrate together special events.

The children are enabled to go for therapy at CPPI i.e. the Cerebral Palsy Philippine Institute in Makati. Here they see Doctors who specialize in rehabilitation, neurology or orthopedics. They are referred if necessary to other specialists. They also receive Physical and Occupational Therapy as needed. When splints or special equipment such as a C.P. chair is needed, this is also provided for them.

Some Doctors and Therapists will see them outside of the CPPI, for services that are necessary for them. Dental treatment has also been provided by a doctor who treats only children and those with 'special needs'.