Strategic Professionalization: A Best Practice Model for Early Childhood Education Community Extension of the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental

High-quality early childhood care and education is essential for long-term development, yet many Child Development Workers (CDWs) lack formal academic credentials. This paper evaluates the "Certificate in ECE Program," a transformative community extension model developed through a strategic partnership between the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos and the Guihulngan City LGU. Utilizing a multi-method approach, the study validates a six-month professionalization pathway that successfully equipped 73 CDWs with essential pedagogical competencies and instructional strategies. Findings demonstrate that the program significantly enhanced educator confidence, professional efficacy, and personal growth while fostering essential attributes like empathy and patience. Ultimately, this zero-revenue, cost-sharing model bridged critical knowledge gaps and aligned local practices with national standards. The initiative serves as a replicable blueprint for institutionalizing collaborative partnerships to permanently elevate foundational education quality in marginalized communities.