Early Childhood Care and Development Act, Republic Act No. 8980 (Philippines)

The Early Childhood Care and Development (EECD) System refers to a full range of health, nutrition, early education and social services programs which provide for the basic holistic needs of young children from birth up to six (6) years old with the objective of promoting their optimum growth and development. 

The Act requires that the implementation of the National ECCD System shall be the collective responsibility of the national government, local government, nongovernment organizations and private organizations. In order to ensure multi-sectoral collaboration, the Act established a National Coordinating Council.