The Learning Center, Inc.

THE LEARNING CENTER, INC. (TLC) is a front-runner in the field of Special Education. It was founded by Mrs. Benita I. Steger in 1975 as a non-stock, non-profit remedial and special education center for children, adolescents, and adults challenged with autism, intellectual disability, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other developmental conditions. It continues a tradition of dedication to special needs individuals to this date. TLC is the first school 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. Developed at the University of North Carolina, TEACCH has helped thousands of individuals with special needs develop comprehension skills and understand the world around them in a structured environment. The innovative use of visual information teaches students to communicate with pictures and thus understand concepts more easily. TLC offers a strong Early Intervention Program for children ages two-and-a-half to six years old. It likewise offers a Pre-Academics Program, Department of Education (DepEd)-accredited Elementary Program, and Functional Academics Program for school-age children and adolescents. It further provides a Pre-Vocational Skills Training Program and Adapted Secondary Program or Life Skills Training Program that prepares students for more specialized learning on the next level. Vocational Skills Training Programs in Sheltered Workshops (Kitchen and Activity Workshop) develop young adult and adult students’ creativity and encourages productivity with a view to independent livelihood in the future. On-the-Job Training and Apprenticeship Programs likewise provide further training to high-functioning adult students. TLC also offers ancillary rehabilitation programs through Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Speech-Language Pathology. Art, music, movement, physical education, recreation, social, and community activities, field trips, and special school events round out the students’ thematic, integrated, and holistic learning experience. All this can be found in a comfortable, homey environment that encourages trust and sharing through a dynamic interdisciplinary approach.