MANILA–The Department of Education (DepEd) has set January as an early schedule of enrollment for school year 2011-2012 as part of its intensified efforts to achieve the 2015 Millennium Development Goal (MDG) targets on education.

“One of the greatest challenges DepEd faces is convincing parents to bring their children to schools, to keep them there and finish basic education,” the DepEd said in a statement.

“Since Christmas break gives families a time to bond, we encourage our present students to convince their parents to enroll their younger siblings who are already of school age during the pre-registration period set by the department early next year,” it added.

It said the January pre-registration will help avoid the May to June enrolment rush.

This move is among the efforts of DepEd to ensure it remains on track in hitting the MDG targets and the Education For All (EFA) commitment as the 2015 deadline comes closer.

The government’s EFA commitment includes the provision of a quality program for pre-school and early childhood care and development for children aged three to five.