DepEd Ozamiz Approves Kindergarten Catch-Up Modules for the Quarter
The Department of Education Division of Ozamiz City has released the latest set of DepEd-approved modules for the Kindergarten Catch-Up Program this quarter. The package responds to learning gaps identified after the most recent rapid assessment, with materials covering literacy, numeracy, socio-emotional development, and health awareness. Each module underwent review by the Division's curriculum team before being endorsed for classroom and home-based use.
For Australian readers tracking international early childhood frameworks, the release offers a useful comparison point. Filipino-Australian families in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane often look to Manila-based resources to support heritage language retention. The materials are free to download and align closely with principles found in the Early Years Learning Framework, making them a practical reference for educators and parents across the region.
Quarterly Module Overview and Approval Pathway
The kindergarten catch-up set includes eight core modules organised by developmental domain. Teachers in Ozamiz City public schools received the full bundle through the Division Learning Resource portal, while private schools may request access via the official channels. The approval pathway involved a technical working group, a pilot in six districts, and a final sign-off from the Schools Division Superintendent.
Modules are designed for half-day sessions of four hours, with extension activities suggested for full-day programs. Printable worksheets, storybooks, and lesson exemplars accompany each title. Schools are encouraged to log usage through the existing learner information system for monitoring and reporting.
Literacy and Numeracy Foundations
The literacy modules target letter recognition, phonemic awareness, oral language, and emergent writing. Storybooks use Filipino contexts that teachers can adapt for multicultural classrooms. The numeracy set covers counting, patterning, measurement, and basic shapes through hands-on tasks using classroom manipulatives and everyday objects.
Australian educators familiar with the Early Years Learning Framework will notice parallels in the play-based approach. The numeracy module includes suggestions for sorting and grouping using found materials, similar to activities promoted in local early learning centres. The following overview summarises each module:
| Module Title | Focus Area | Key Skills | Duration | Assessment Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Letter Sound Launch | Literacy | Phonics, alphabet | 4 weeks | Portfolio samples |
| Counting Adventures | Numeracy | Number sense 1–10 | 4 weeks | Observational checklist |
| My Feelings Book | Socio-emotional | Identification, regulation | 3 weeks | Teacher anecdotal records |
| Healthy Habits | Health | Hygiene, nutrition | 2 weeks | Drawing-based response |
| Family Stories | Cultural | Identity, vocabulary | 3 weeks | Show-and-tell rubric |
| Move and Play | Physical | Gross motor, coordination | 4 weeks | Skill demonstration |
| Safety First | Protective | Road, stranger, home safety | 2 weeks | Role-play assessment |
| Art Expressions | Creative | Fine motor, imagination | 3 weeks | Portfolio samples |
Socio-Emotional Learning Resources
Three modules address social and emotional growth for kindergarteners returning after extended breaks. The "My Feelings Book" introduces emotion vocabulary through illustrations and circle-time discussions. Teachers are guided to model calm-down strategies and to set up a feelings corner stocked with visual cues that children can reference throughout the day.
Schools following the protective services pathway will appreciate the alignment with the updated referral protocol released earlier this quarter. Teachers trained in identifying at-risk learners can integrate this module with reporting procedures without duplicating effort. The socio-emotional strand also includes a parent take-home sheet so families reinforce the same language at home.
Health, Nutrition and Protective Awareness
The "Healthy Habits" and "Safety First" modules address everyday wellness alongside protective behaviour. Lessons cover handwashing, toothbrushing, balanced snacks, road safety, and recognising unsafe situations. Visual cards and puppet scripts make the content accessible to non-readers, and teachers can extend learning through classroom role-play setups.
Schools can print the materials on standard A4 paper, similar to what is available at Officeworks, and laminate key cards for repeated use across the term. The format suits classrooms with limited resources, and lesson sequences can be repeated in subsequent cycles to reinforce retention.
Family Engagement Materials
Engagement sheets accompany every core module, with simple instructions in Filipino and Cebuano. Parents are invited to participate in weekly home activities lasting ten to fifteen minutes. Feedback forms allow families to share observations, helping teachers adjust pacing in the following weeks based on home responses.
Migrant families across communities such as those in Dandenong often seek bilingual materials that value heritage identity. While these modules are written in Filipino, the activity structure can be adapted for community language use. School clubs publishing parent updates online should consult the social media policy to ensure communication remains compliant and respectful.
Training and Orientation Schedule
A two-day orientation will be conducted for kindergarten teachers across the division, with separate sessions for public and private school implementers. Training covers module walkthroughs, assessment tools, differentiation strategies, and documentation requirements. Schedules have been staggered to avoid disrupting ongoing classes.
Sessions will be held at the Division Training Hall and streamed via the official DepEd Ozamiz channel for teachers in remote barangays. Certificates of attendance will be issued for compliance with the in-service training requirements tracked in the regional system.
Accessing the Modules and Submitting Feedback
The complete module bundle is available through the Learning Resource Management portal linked from the DepEd Ozamiz homepage. Teachers may also request a USB copy from the division office if internet connectivity is limited in their area. All materials are licensed for educational use within the public school system and accredited private partners.
Schools are encouraged to submit implementation reports and learner progress samples at the end of the quarter. Feedback informs the next module review cycle, ensuring that resources remain responsive to classroom realities. Visit the official DepEd Ozamiz portal today to download the approved modules and reserve a place in the orientation sessions.