Children turning 5 by October 31 are eligible for Kindergarten; the ECCD checklist is required for late-year birthdays
To improve access to Kindergarten education and uphold the best interest of Filipino children, the Department of Education (DepEd) has released DepEd Order No. 015, s. 2025, amending provisions of DepEd Order No. 47, s. 2016 (Omnibus Policy on Kindergarten Education) as previously revised by DepEd Order No. 020, s. 2018. These updated procedures will take effect beginning this School Year, 2025–2026.
Under the revised policy, children who turn five (5) years old on or before October 31 of the school year are eligible to enroll in Kindergarten. This age requirement ensures that learners are developmentally prepared to meet the demands of formal schooling.
However, DepEd has also made provisions for children born between November 1 and December 31. While they fall outside the standard age cutoff, they may still be admitted to Kindergarten provided they meet specific conditions.
“This move is intended to improve access to Kindergarten education while ensuring that children are developmentally ready,” DepEd stated in the new issuance.
To be considered for enrollment, these children must undergo the Philippine Early Childhood Development (ECD) Checklist, which will be administered by the Kindergarten teachers of the receiving school. This evaluation must be done during the enrollment period up to the first week of classes.
In addition, the learner must have completed one school year in an Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program. Parents or legal guardians must submit a Certificate of Completion or Attendance from a recognized Child Development Center (CDC) or Learning Center (LC)—public or private—with the appropriate permit or recognition.
The checklist results will guide the school in deciding whether the child is ready to enter Kindergarten.
DepEd has instructed all regional directors, schools division superintendents, and school heads—both in public and private institutions—to implement these guidelines accordingly.
With this policy, DepEd reaffirms its commitment to balancing accessibility and quality in early childhood education, ensuring that every Filipino child has a strong start to their learning journey.
Please read the DO 015, s. 2025
