The Learning Center, Inc. (TLC)

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The Learning Center, Inc. (TLC)

THE LEARNING CENTER, INC. (TLC) is a front-runner in the field of Special Education. Founded by Mrs. Benita I.

Steger in 1975, it was first established as a non-stock, non-profit remedial and special education center for children, adolescents, and adults challenged with autism, intellectual disability, Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other developmental conditions. TLC was one of the first schools in the Philippines to use the acclaimed Structured Teaching principle based on the TEACCH (Treatment and

Education of Autistic and related Communication-handicapped CHildren) approach. Throughout its 46-year history, the institution grew and established its reputation as a Special Education school providing effective, quality programs. In 2021, recognizing the effects and uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic on its operations and financial situation, the TLC Board of Trustees made the difficult decision to close the school, and liquidate its assets. This notwithstanding, the Board recognized it was critical to continue the vision and legacy of TLC’s founder, and decided to dedicate its remaining resources to supporting programs and activities to improve the Special Education sector. Thus, from its roots as a special education center providing programs, TLC is now performing the role of a resource institution, providing resources for the conduct of programs to improve the sector.

07/02/2026

"Every child with disability has the right to achieve the greatest degree of self-reliance and social integration possible." ✨

This mandate from Proclamation No. 157, dated Februery 18, 2002, is the essense of The Learning Center's (TLC) vision. In celebrating February as National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month, we are reminded that our mission to open doors for children and young people remains as vital as ever.

As we transition into a resource institution, we remain committed to supporting research and initiatives that uphold these rights and empower the next generation of learners with disabilities.

By bridging our decades of experience with new advocacy, we continue to champion the potential and dignity of every individual in the Down Syndrome community.

Join us in spreading awareness and fostering acceptance all month long!

Source: Proclamation No. 157, s. 2002. DECLARING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY AS “NATIONAL DOWN SYNDROME CONSCIOUSNESS MONTH”.

05/02/2026

Our role may have changed, but our purpose remains.

From our roots as a Special Education school, The Learning Center now supports programs and partners dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities and strengthening the Special Education sector.

These are the communities we are committed to serving – today and in the years ahead.

If you share this mission, we invite you to journey with us.

28/01/2026

The reality check we need: Despite the Philippines' Inclusive Education Act of 2022, a new EDCOM 2 study reveals that only 391,089 learners with disabilities are enrolled in public schools—just 8% of an estimated 5.1 million children with disabilities nationwide.

Even more concerning:

60% of enrolled students lack access to any special education resources
75% are mainstreamed into regular classes without specialized support
2 out of 3 teachers report lacking the training and tools needed
No Inclusive Learning Resource Centers are fully operational

This isn't just a gap—it's a crisis. Millions of Filipino children are being left behind, not because of their abilities, but because of systemic failures in identification, resources, and support.

The law exists. The commitment is there. Now we need action: More trained teachers, functional support centers, inter-agency collaboration, and adequate funding to turn inclusive education from policy into reality.

Every child deserves their chance to learn and thrive.

Source: EDCOM 2 Policy Brief, "Accelerating Support for Learners with Disabilities" (2025)

24/01/2026

On this International Day of Education, we at The Learning Center, Inc. reaffirm our commitment to inclusive, quality education for individuals with disabilities.

For nearly five decades, we've believed that every learner—regardless of ability—deserves access to innovative programs that help them thrive, contribute, and participate fully in society.

Today, as a resource institution, we continue our founder's legacy by supporting scholarships, grants, and research that transform the Special Education sector in the Philippines.

Let's work together to build an education system where no one is left behind.

19/01/2026

1 in 100 Filipinos are on the autism spectrum.

Autism is a lifelong developmental exceptionality that may challenge communication, socialization, and adaptation to the world. But with the right support and understanding, individuals with autism can thrive and reach their full potential.

This National Autism Consciousness Week, let's commit to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for our autism community:

🤝 Listen and learn about their unique needs and strengths
🤝 Be patient and understanding in our interactions
🤝 Advocate for accessible education and sensory-friendly spaces
🤝 Support employment opportunities that value neurodiversity
🤝 Celebrate differences and promote acceptance, not just awareness

Small acts of kindness and accommodation can make a world of difference. Let's continue building a community where every individual on the spectrum is respected, supported, and empowered to shine.

Source: Autism Society Philippines

13/01/2026

Did you know?

Around 240 million children live with disabilities, yet they're among the most excluded from education worldwide.

SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) call for quality, inclusive education that reduces inequalities—because learning isn't a privilege, it's a fundamental right for every child.

When we invest in inclusive classrooms—with trained teachers, accessible spaces, and adaptive tools—we don't just change individual lives. We build communities where diversity is celebrated and every child's potential can shine.

Education for all means ALL. Let's make it happen.

Source:
UNICEF. Fact Sheet 2021.

07/01/2026

Not all disabilities are visible. Conditions like epilepsy, asthma, diabetes, cancer, and other chronic illnesses can significantly affect a child's ability to learn, attend school, and participate fully in the classroom.

These students may face frequent absences, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, or need medication management during school hours. Yet their needs are often overlooked in inclusive education conversations.

Inclusive education means recognizing ALL barriers to learning. When schools accommodate health conditions with flexible policies, trained teachers, and individualized support, every child is given a chance to succeed.

Health is a learning issue. Support initiatives toward truly inclusive education!

Source:
Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Teaching. Health Conditions.

World Health Organization (2023). Disability. Factors Contributing to Health Inequities.

31/12/2025

A Message from the TLC Board of Trustees

As we welcome 2026, we reflect on the exciting journey of The Learning Center.

While our mission has evolved, our commitment to 'developing persons with disabilities who participate actively in community life as true contributors to society' remains stronger than ever. As a newly-established resource institution, we are excited to continue supporting programs that will make a meaningful impact in the Special Education sector.

To our community of educators, families, advocates, and most especially, the learners, thank you for your resilience, trust and participation in our mission. Together, ley us keep building pathways for every individual to succeed and participate fully in our society.

Here's to a year of hope, progress, and transformation.

Happy New Year from all of us at TLC!

29/12/2025

💡 Learn about Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD) are not the same for every child. Some struggle to express feelings, others face challenges with behavior or social interactions. There is no single definition, but one thing all children with EBD need is consistent support, understanding, and opportunity.

In providing this support, we are committed to programs, resources, and guidance that help individuals with disabilities understand themselves, build resilience, and grow into confident, contributing members of their families and communities.

👉 Follow us on Facebook to learn more how we can support in creating a inclusive future!

Source:
Ogundele M. O. (2018). Behavioural and emotional disorders in childhood: A brief overview for paediatricians. World journal of clinical pediatrics, 7(1), 9–26. https://doi.org/10.5409/wjcp.v7.i1.9

24/12/2025

Merry Christmas from The Learning Center! 🎄

This season reminds us that every child carries a spark of hope, joy, and potential.

As we celebrate the holidays, we are grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside children and families, addressing their learning needs and helping create inclusive communities where no one is left behind.

May this Christmas bring light, love, and learning opportunities to all. Together, let’s continue building brighter futures in the year ahead.

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