Amidst the growing drifts in formal, non-formal and informal education in the Philippines, start-up schools that cater to kids as young as zero years old are slowly becoming a local trend. These schools, more popularly known as “play schools,” have adapted innovative teaching methods and managerial functions that are patterned to the Japanese hoikuen (day care) system. A number of entrepreneurs and childhood education experts and advocates have adopted this idea. This research investigated the learning and organizational culture of a local play school in Laguna, Philippines, in the following lenses: Leadership Involvement, Decision-Making, Openness to Communication, Openness to Innovation, Approach to Learning and Development and Approach to Change Management. After conducting a one-on-one structured interview with the owner and a series of interviews with the community stakeholders, the daycare center in the case was revered as an institution that fostered a deep sense of service to the community by producing young children who are independent, skillful and innovative. The company manages to deliver their daily lesson plans and implement child-care protocols using carefully crafted and templated learning guides with contingency plans for possible learning interventions. They put a premium on leadership involvement, openness to innovation, and have a positive outlook on learning and development for their employees. Challenges in adapting to the technological needs and shifts in the students’ learning style have been identified; however, as with any other start-up, the company’s steadfast commitment to serving despite such challenges has been deemed impactful to the community-building endeavors of the town it resides in.

Authors:
Patricia Mariz Valencia, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines

About the Presenter(s)
Ms Patricia Mariz Valencia is a University Assistant Professor/Lecturer at University of the Philippines Los Baños in Philippines

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/patricia-mariz-valencia-8273b8229/

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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