Early childhood care and development (ECCD) discourse, policy, and research have understandably focused on parents—their roles, knowledge, practices, and lived experiences. However, it truly “takes a village” to raise a child, particularly in an intergenerational, communal society like the Philippines, where both historical and future trends indicate a greater involvement of various “significant others” in the pag-aalaga (i.e., care or nurturing) of children. This report examines how Filipino parents approach early childhood development, emphasizing the central roles of various actors—parents, siblings, grandparents, domestic helpers (yayas, kasambahays), and community members (e.g., barangay health workers)—in shaping children's early development. Inspired by 17 key informant interviews and a review of the social sciences literature, we map the different participants in ECCD and propose ways to leverage their involvement to improve child health and education outcomes.
Comments on this paper are welcome within 60 days from the date of posting. Email publications@pids.gov.ph.
