Kid’s First Discovery Space celebrates 20 years with ‘Play It Forward’

Learning center Kid’s First Discovery Space (KFDS) recently celebrated its 20th anniversary with a meaningful gathering at the Museo Pambata, bringing together families and alumni for a day of joyful learning, reconnection, and giving back.

More than a milestone event, the celebration reflected the heart of KFDS’s 20-year journey—creating spaces where children learn through play, families grow in community, and every small win is recognized. In the spirit of “Play it Forward,” proceeds from the event benefited Kythe Foundation, extending the occasion’s impact to children with chronic illnesses and their families.

“At Kid’s First Discovery Space, we celebrate every win of every child in class. There’s no such thing as a small victory, and we make sure each one is recognized. As we mark our 20th year, we’re turning our gratitude outward by sharing this milestone with children who need hope, care, and opportunity the most,” said Kid’s First Founder and Educational Administrator Vanessa Morales-Balquiedra.

Two decades of child-centered learning in the Philippines

Founded in 2005, KFDS was created to give young children a safe and welcoming place to learn through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences. Rooted in progressive early childhood education, it has always believed in nurturing each child’s curiosity, individuality, and growth.

Over the past two decades, KFDS has evolved from a preschool into a broader support system for children and families. Today, it offers the following:

• Early childhood intervention program for neurodivergent learners and children with additional developmental needs
• Occupational and speech therapy services
• Integrated playgroups
• Music classes for toddlers and parents
• Other offerings that encourage connection, joyful learning, and development from an early age

A new chapter began for KFDS when it found a home at The Palms Country Club in Muntinlupa City, where children and families could once again learn, play, and grow together in a safe and nurturing environment after the challenges of the pandemic.

Although 20 years may not be considered a traditional milestone like a 25th or 50th anniversary, Kid’s First Discovery Space saw it as the right moment to pause and celebrate. With everything happening in the world today, the occasion became an opportunity to choose joy, honor its journey, and share hope with the wider community.

A celebration with purpose

The anniversary event gave current families, alumni, and friends of KFDS the chance to reconnect through guided museum activities, interactive play experiences, and shared moments that honored the school’s long-standing values of curiosity, inclusion, and compassion. More importantly, it transformed the celebration into a meaningful way to give back, supporting a cause that brings comfort and care to children in need.

“There is a saying that it takes a village to raise a child, and over the past two decades, we have felt that we are part of that village. We are grateful to the parents and families who have trusted us with their children through the years and look forward to serving more,” said Balquiedra.

As KFDS looks beyond its 20th anniversary, the organization is committed to pushing forward a more progressive approach to early childhood education—one that is inclusive, thoughtful, and responsive to the diverse needs of children and families. Among its future plans are the return of training programs for daycare workers and the expansion of early childhood intervention support across more learning communities.

Families interested in enrolling in Kid’s First Discovery Space programs or learning more about its early childhood education and intervention offerings may contact 0917-833-8983 or 0917-847-1977, or email kidsfirsteci@gmail.com. For updates, announcements, and inquiries, visit KFDS on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.