The role of nutrition in early childhood development : perspectives of daycare workers from two Barangays in Laguna

Date

2025

Adviser

Abriel S. Bulasag

Principal

Mabel S. Buela

Abstract

In the Philippines, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) has highlighted alarming levels of learning poverty, with many children failing to acquire basic literacy and numeracy skills by age ten. One overlooked but critical factor contributing to this issue is early childhood nutrition, which lays the biological and cognitive foundation necessary for school readiness, sustained attention, and long-term academic performance. This study examines how nutritional status can affect the developmental milestones of daycare students. Additionally, it aims to identify challenges in addressing nutritional needs and propose viable intervention strategies. This was conducted on two selected daycare centers in Laguna that have an ongoing feeding program. The study used secondary data to assess children's nutritional status and conducted interviews with daycare workers to evaluate developmental milestones through thematic analysis. Results showed that while the majority of children in both barangays were within normal growth ranges, a notable percentage in Barangay A were either underweight or stunted. Meanwhile, the interview identified different developmental domains which are used as a guide to keep track of the development milestones of the students which are the following; cognitive, socio-emotional, expressive language, fine motor skills, gross motor skills, and self-help skills. Daycare workers linked poor nutrition with the challenges that occur especially in early childhood. Three primary challenges were identified: lack of support, financial constraints, and inconsistent food availability. These findings emphasize that nutritional health is deeply interconnected with developmental milestones especially in early childhood. Therefore, the study suggests that interventions such as help staff addition, health-related schools activities, and cooperation of the bodies involved such as teachers, parents, and the government, can pave a way for well-rounded, long-term growth nurturing a child’s potential which requires continuous, sustainable, and collaborative care not just inside the classroom, but also beyond this aspect.

Language

English

Location

UP Rural High School

Notes

To access this capstone, please contact the UP Rural High School Library at uprhslibrary.uplb@up.edu.ph. You may also visit the library in person, provided you secure prior confirmation from the librarian. We will be happy to assist you.

Document Type

Capstone

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