When classes start on Oct. 5, students are not the only ones who will have to adjust to the new learning landscape but their parents as well.

Recognizing the crucial role of parents in education as learning essentially takes place at home this school year, DepEd’s Bureau of Learning Delivery Teaching and Learning Division issued a handbook to guide them to “fully understand” their  responsibilities as parents  and learning facilitators.

“We understand that this school year is challenging because we are faced with COVID-19 pandemic,” DepEd told the parents. Despite this, the agency assured that it remains “fully committed to fulfilling our role in upholding your children’s right to access quality education while promoting their health, safety, and overall well-being,” DepEd added.

In the “Parents’ Handbook for the New Normal in Basic Education,” DepEd explained the different learning delivery modalities that parents and students can choose from.

 “It is important that you assess the needs and capabilities of your own child and the quality and quantity of support that you can provide before you decide on the modality that suits your child best,” DepEd said.

Aside from explaining all the learning delivery modalities available, the handbook also contains answers to the Frequently Asked Questions to ensure the success of the child in his or her chosen learning modality. It also discusses the benefits of learning at home, how to keep children up with the lessons, and where the parents can seek help if they do not understand the lessons themselves - among others.

The handbook also contains practical tips for parents of learners with disabilities as well as positive parenting and discipline tips while facilitating children’s learning at home provided by the Save the Children Foundation.

Ultimately, the handbook aims to orient the parents about the different learning modalities this school year in lieu of face-to-face classes.