KNOWLEDGE CHANNEL

FOUNDATION, INC.

FOR

EARLY CHILDHOOD

DEVELOPMENT

Since 1999, the Knowledge Channel Foundation has been improving education and learning in the Philippines. It offers relevant and engaging video lessons for learners of all ages, as well as training programs for teachers and principals. In 2016, a study on MathDali revealed significant early learning gaps in basic education, particularly in early reading and math skills.

To address the learning crisis, KCFI focused on Early Childhood Development (0-8 y/o). By prioritizing early interventions through multimedia resources and teacher training, KCFI equips teachers, CDT/Ws, caregivers of children with the essential skills needed for children’s early childhood development.

WHY EARLY EDUCATION MATTERS

Lifelong Benefits Begin Early:

Research shows that 90% of a child's brain development occurs before age 5. Intervening early ensures that children develop the cognitive, emotional, and social skills they need to succeed in life.

Tangible, Measurable Impact:

Investments in ECD generate a 13% annual return, reducing future social costs and leading to higher wages and improved educational outcomes. Every dollar spent on ECD can yield $6 to $17 in returns.

Increased School Readiness:

ECD ensures children are better prepared for formal schooling, leading to higher success rates and lower dropout rates.

Improved Social Skills and Emotional Resilience:

ECD helps children develop strong social and emotional skills, preparing them for healthy relationships and challenges in life.

Better Health and Well-Being:

ECD programs promote physical health and well-being, reducing the risks of malnutrition and developmental delays.

 The Critical Gap

Currently, the Philippines spends PHP 3,870 per child (~$68) on early childhood development—far below global standards. In contrast, High-income countries like the United States and Scandinavian countries invest as much as $10,000 to $15,000 per child annually in early childhood programs. Even Middle-income countries like Indonesia allocate approximately $250 to $300 per child annually on early childhood development—still significantly higher than the Philippines.

In addition to underinvestment, other critical gaps in ECD, include:

Limited access to trained ECD educators: Many child development workers lack formal training in early childhood education.

Inadequate facilities: ECD centers are often under-resourced, lacking proper learning materials, play areas, and sanitation facilities.

Insufficient parental engagement: Parents and caregivers are not always equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to support early learning at home.

Lack of Support for Early Literacy and Numeracy: There is insufficient focus on foundational learning skills in the early years.

Policy Gaps: The need for stronger policies that mandate and increase investment in ECD, ensuring that early childhood development is prioritized at the national level.

KCFI works to close these gaps by providing comprehensive programs that ensure every child, regardless of background, receives the education and care they need to thrive.

KCFI’S LEARNING
SOLUTIONS FOR EARLY
CHILDHOOD
DEVELOPMENT

Partner with KCFI to help close gaps in early childhood development, providing access to quality education and promoting the holistic development of Filipino children.

 KCFI’s Bayanihan for Early Childhood Development solutions are designed to address the unique challenges of early childhood development, providing tailored programs for children, parents, and educators:

1. KCare

  • Holistic Training for Caregivers and Educators: KCare offers comprehensive training for child development workers, health workers, and parents, focusing on the holistic care of children aged 3-4.

  • Improving Early Learning Outcomes: Through KCare, Rotarians can support the training of caregivers and educators who directly work with children, ensuring they provide the stimulation, care, and education that young children need to thrive.

  • Strengthening Communities: By equipping local health workers and caregivers with the necessary skills, KCare programs foster community-led support for early childhood development, creating sustainable progress.

2. LEEP (Learning Effectively through Enhanced and Evidence-based Pedagogies)

  • Empowering Teachers: LEEP provides teachers with the tools, knowledge, and 21st-century skills to close learning gaps and improve student performance. This program equips K-12 teachers to deliver high-quality instruction.

  • Specialized Support for Early Learning: LEEP’s focus on early reading and numeracy helps lay the groundwork for success by ensuring children acquire critical foundational skills.

3. KCPML (Knowledge Channel Portable Media Libraries)

  • Provides remote communities with access to Knowledge Channel's video content, enriching early childhood, elementary, and high school education in underserved areas. KCPML has three versions: ECD, Elementary School (ES), and High School (HS).

4. KCTV

  • Delivers pre-packaged educational content via television to remote areas, helping to supplement in-person learning for early childhood programs and schools. KCTV has two versions: ECD and Schools.

5. Production of MathDali Videos

  • Engaging Math Content: MathDali enhances math learning through engaging, localized content for young learners, making math fun and approachable for children across the country

The Power of Knowledge Channel Videos

Knowledge Channel Videos: Enriching Learning for All

  • Knowledge Channel videos are created not just for children but also for the teachers, parents, and caregivers who guide their learning journeys.

  • These videos follow the guidelines of the ECCD Council and DepEd curricula, ensuring they meet national education standards and promote developmental milestones.

  • Each video is tailored to the Filipino audience, featuring culturally relevant content that resonates with children and their families, making learning both engaging and impactful.

  • Knowledge Channel videos are available on TV, online platforms, and offline, ensuring that even children in remote and underserved areas can access quality educational content.

  • Studies have shown that students who regularly use Knowledge Channel videos perform better in assessments, improving literacy, math, and critical thinking skills.

  • Catering to different learning styles—visual, auditory, and kinesthetic—Knowledge Channel videos make learning fun and accessible for children with various abilities and needs.

CALL TO ACTION 

Partner with KCFI to help children across the country access the education they deserve. Scan the QR Code or click the Donate button.

Or contact Liberty Reyes at 0917 123 4567 or liberty.reyes@knowledgechannel.org for details.

TESTIMONIALS 

“Thanks to KCFI’s programs, our community has seen significant improvement in literacy rates. The Bayanihan spirit is alive in every child’s success story.”

– Community Leader, ECD Program Beneficiary

“Bilang isang bagong CDW ay malaking tulong po sakin ito upang maunawaan at matutunan pa ng lubusan ang lahat ng bagay-bagay tungkol sa ECCD. Ito rin po po ang nakapagbigay linaw at guide sa akin sa tamang pamamaraan ng pagtuturo sa mga bata.”

– Kate Sagadraca, Brgy. Buduan

“Parang ibinabahagi po nila sa amin ‘yung mga kaalaman na alam nila para mai-apply din po namin sa pang-araw-araw namin, sa pamilya namin, pati na rin po sa komunidad.”

– Karen Espanola, Brgy. Santa Ana

“These programs are a big help as the kids become more engaged and interested in their lessons, thus, higher positive outcomes were seen. This is not only in their academics but even in their social, emotional and psychological aspects.”

– SBM Trina Saguiguit-Fulgar, Committee on Women and Children

Sources: Data from James Heckman, Nobel Laureate in Economics, and the World Bank. Additional insights from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).