"Relationship of Socio-Emotional Skills and Cognitive Development in Kindergarten Pupils: An Assessment Using the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Checklist"

This study aimed to describe the cognitive and socio-emotional skills of early childhood learners in the Philippines. Data were collected using the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) tool to measure the frequency and percentage of skills exhibited by learners. The cognitive skills of the learners, as measured using the ECCD Tool, demonstrate high proficiency across a variety of tasks. Of the 21 skills assessed, 13 were consistently mastered by all 48 participants, with a 100% success rate. Many parents highlighted the role of play-based activities in their children’s daily routines. These activities typically include reading, storytelling, drawing, coloring, and simple art projects. These practices nurture both cognitive and creative development. Social skills in early childhood are vital, as they serve as the foundation for a child's ability to interact and build relationships with others. During this stage, children learn essential skills such as communication, cooperation, and empathy, which help them navigate social interactions and develop meaningful connections. These early experiences shape their ability to understand and engage with the world around them, fostering confidence and emotional intelligence as they grow.

Cognitive Development, Socio-emotional skills, Early Childhood Education

1. Albina, AC.; Balasabas, JY.; Laquinon, B J I.; Pampilo, MH; Caballero & L J. , Factors and Challenges Influencing the Criminologist Licensure Examination Performance through the Non-Passers' Lens, European Journal of Educational Research, v11 n1 p365-380 2022, https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1329072 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Aman, A., Utami, L. T., Aras, M. K. A., & Kasmi, M. (2022). Information System for Monitoring the Development of Children With Special Needs. 1(2), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.56134/cje.v1i2.24 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Aung, N. W. A Study on the Stakeholders' Perceptions and Community Participation for Community Based Early Childhood Care and Development Centers (Case Study: ECCD Centers at Pwint Phyu Township)(Nan Wai Aung, 2022)(Doctoral dissertation, MERAL Portal) [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Binayao, BS, & Dalez ZI (2020), A Phenomenological Study of the Passers and Non-Passers in the Licensure Examination for Teachers, International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology Volume 5, Issue 8, August – 2020 ISSN No:-2456-2165 https://ijisrt.com/assets/upload/files/IJISRT20AUG828.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Briones, M. A. (2021), Licensure Examination: Students’ Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors as Success Predictor, Vol. 2 No. 2 (2021): Journal of English Education and Linguistics, https://jurnal.stain-madina.ac.id/index.php/je2l/article/view/424 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Briones, MA & Romero VA (2020), Examining the Personal Factors Affecting Licensure Examination Preparation, Journal of English Education and Linguistics, Issue Vol. 1 No. 2 (2020), https://jurnal.stain-madina.ac.id/index.php/je2l/article/view/52 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Cabahug, M.M., Bonghanoy, S.M.A., Tubog Jr. J., Asingua, A.B., Chen, Q. & Tul-id, C.S. (2024). Graduates are Failing in the Examination: An Ethical Investigation on the Experiences of Board Licensure Examination for Teachers (BLEPT) Takers. American Journal of Multidisciplinay Research and Innovation, 3(2),1-6. https://doi.org/10.54536/ajmri.v3i2.2514 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Calubayan, MA C. (2020), Performance of Southern Luzon State University – BS Accountancy in the Board Licensure Examination: A Basis of Proposed Intervention Program, Journal of Business and Management Studies, https://al-kindipublisher.com/index.php/jbms/article/view/854 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Cortez, M., Alipante, A., & Lajato, D. (2017). Binary logistic model on factors affecting the result of licensure examination for teachers (LET). International Journal of Education and Research, 5 (5), 279, 288. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Collie, R. J., Martin, A. J., Nassar, N., & Roberts, C. L. (2019). Social and emotional behavioral profiles in kindergarten: A population-based latent profile analysis of links to socio-educational characteristics and later achievement. Journal of Educational Psychology, 111(1), 170. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Dayaday, MG, Factors Affecting the Performance in the Board Examination of Electronics Engineering – University of Southern Mindanao Graduates, International Journal for Current Research https://www.journalcra.com/article/factors-affecting-performance-board-examination-electronics-engineering [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. DOCTOR, F. (2024). SCHOOL READINESS AMONG KINDERGARTEN LEARNERS: BASIS FOR POLICY RECOMMENDATION. Sprin Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, 3(2), 26-34. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Doctor, F., & Macalisang, D. S. (2024). School readiness among kindergarten learners: basis for policy recommendation. Sprin Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. https://doi.org/10.55559/sjahss.v3i2.219 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Delos Angeles, M. (2019), Curriculum and Quality of Instruction Factors for Successful Board Examination Performance, American Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Research (AJHSSR) e-ISSN :2378-703X Volume-3, Issue-6, pp-250-253, https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Marie-Ann-Gladys-Delos-Angeles/publication/334250868 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Espartero, JR E. (2022), Factors that Influenced and Problems Encountered in the Criminologist Licensure Examination, International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology ISSN No:-2456-2165, Volume 7, Issue 5, May – 2022, https://ijisrt.com/assets/upload/files/IJISRT22MAY1268_(2)_(1).pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Gallardo-Rodríguez, R., Léniz-Maturana, L., Gallardo-Rodríguez, K., & Hidalgo-Pérez, H. (2023). Parent-Perceived Child Development in Preschoolers Engaging in Play that Includes Physical Activity. International Journal of Human Movement and Sports Sciences. https://doi.org/10.13189/saj.2023.110414 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Ghosh, U. (2024). The Role of Play-Based Learning in Enhancing Cognitive and Emotional Development in Early Childhood. International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research, 6(6). https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2024.v06i06.34144 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Herrero, C.C. (2015). Influence of Selected Factors on CPA Licensure Examination Results. International Letters of Social and Humanistic Sciences, 64, 87-93. Retrieved March 23, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/177153/. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Herrera, L., & San Lorenzo, A. S. de. (2024). Socio-Emotional Development in Early Childhood Education Classrooms (pp. 217–241). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/979-8-3693-0956-8.ch010 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Kuria, ME (2022), Factors Influencing Bachelor of Science in Clinical Medicine Students’ Performance in Clinical Officers Council Licensure Examination in Nairobi, Kenya, Amref International University, https://repository.amref.ac.ke/handle/123456789/814 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Maloloy-on M., Igcasama, AM, Layao, J. & Magallano, SM, Factors Affecting the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) Performance of Saint Michael College of Caraga from 2017-2019, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/357828184 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Mhlanga, S. (2023). Use Of Developmental Checklist In Teaching And Learning At Early Childhood Development Level In Maun Botswana. Gen-Multidisciplinary Journal Of Sustainable Development, 1(2), 111-123. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Moore A, Nguyen A, Rivas S, Bany-Mohammed A, Majeika J, Martinez L. A qualitative examination of the impacts of financial stress on college students’ well-being: Insights from a large, private institution. SAGE Open Medicine. 2021;9. doi:10.1177/20503121211018122 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Webster, KE (2020), Student Perceptions of Barriers to Professional Exam Success, Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice, https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1853&context=ijahsp [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Selman, S. B., Distefano, R., Dilworth‐Bart, J. E., & Brooks‐Gunn, J. (2025). Child routines across preschool and associations with socioemotional adjustment. Journal of Family Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0001299 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Sharma, R. C. (2024). The Effects of Parental Involvement on Student Academic Success. Global International Research Thoughts, 12(1), 43–48. https://doi.org/10.36676/girt.v12.i1.111 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. Tamakloe, D., Powers, E., Landis, A., & McCracken, L. (2024). Teachers’ Experiences of Using Play and Al’s Pals to Teach Socio-Emotional Skills Through Coaching Support Models. Excelsior. https://doi.org/10.14305/jn.19440413.2023.16.2.02 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

29. Richert, R. A., Choi, K., Gleason, T. R., Goldstein, T. R., & Sibert, S. M. (2024). Imagination, Creativity, and Play. 47–53. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-69362-5_7 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

30. Umarova, M. (2024). Development of cognitive processes of preschool children. International Journal of Pedagogics, 4(12), 97–101. https://doi.org/10.37547/ijp/volume04issue12-19 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Guiding Growling Minds: Behavioral Management in Day Care Classroom
• The Benefit of Carefully Monitored Unstructured Play or Free Play in Developing and Scafolding Psychosocial and Socio-Emotional Traits of Preschool Children
• The Use of Manipulative Materials in Teaching the Concept of Addition to Preschool Children