The Department of Education (DepEd) has issued specific instructions to schools and field offices on the conduct of early registration for the upcoming school year and other related processes.
(MANILA BULLETIN)
To prioritize the health and safety of teachers, learners, and personnel, DepEd issued a memorandum to officials and school heads - reminding field offices to “utilize available online platforms and drop boxes in the conduct of remote early registration” from March 26 to April 30, 2021.
“Similar to the previous year, early registration forms will be available in barangay halls and other public spaces,” Undersecretary for Planning and Human Resource and Organizational Development Jesus Mateo said in a statement issued on Wednesday, March 31.
Mateo said that an early registration drop-box will be made “available for parents or guardians to collect and submit the forms in these identified places.”
In-person early registration is only allowed in MGCQ areas provided that safety protocols are observed. However, School Division Superintendents (SDS) are “authorized to implement full remote early registration” - even in MGCQ areas - depending on the area's current risk assessment level.
Mateo also reminded that “only parents or guardians are permitted to transact within the school premises for early registration purposes.”
Regional and division offices, Mateo said, are instructed to establish hotlines for the provision of technical assistance to schools on policy and process-related concerns.
Schools are also encouraged to set-up hotlines and provide their respective official school details to the general public to answer queries and concerns related to early registration.
DepEd also reminded the schools of the strict implementation of the cut-off age in Kindergarten - specifically that for school commencing their school year in August, Kindergarten learners should be five (5) years old by August 31, and the extension period shall be until October 31.
The month-long activity is initiated to ensure that incoming Kindergarten, Grades 1, 7, and 11 in public elementary and secondary schools are registered for the School Year and help the Department better prepare for possible issues and concerns that may arise, as stipulated in DepEd Order No. 3, s. 2018, or the Basic Education Enrollment policy.
DepEd said that Grades 2-6, 8-10, and 12 are considered pre-registered and will not need to participate in the early registration.