Page 52 - Annual Report 2016 - Cover & Divider Pages.indd

On the Boards

The new 64,000 square foot Early Learning Center for River Trails School District 26 falls in line with
the district’s pedagogical ideology, “effective early childhood education is a significant factor of
future academic success for all children.” The Early Learning Center places emphasis on this value
by creating educational spaces that foster learning and creativity while providing a sense of
familiarity, community and comfort. Therefore, the design considers all aspects of a student’s day
in its layout.

Arrival and dismissal are two of the largest events for half-day students and, consequently, the
drop off location, entrance and corridors were important challenges to address from the
beginning. The location of the school (backed up against McDonald Creek and flanked by two
cross streets) necessitated a looping drop off procedure to maximize available space and prevent
parent backup onto the main streets. The entrance to the Early Learning Center features a secure
vestibule with glass windows looking into the main crossroads of the school, providing both security
and a friendly aesthetic for parents and students. Upon entering, the interior corridors follow a
curving pattern that creates extra space for Pre-K and kindergarten students to take off or put on
coats, boots or other outer-gear while keeping the hallways clear and spacious.

The facility is split into four communal “neighborhoods” (two for Pre-K and two for kindergarten),
each consisting of 20 classrooms, special support areas—such as an occupational therapy and
physical therapy room for preschoolers—administrative facilities, a community room and
multifunctional indoor play areas that can function as a cafeteria, playground or theater.
“Neighborhoods” encourage a sense of close community while simultaneously creating larger
learning spaces. The design is reminiscent of local area homes using natural material stone siding
and leveled ceilings. Wide open windows peer out to the garden areas and creek at the back of
the school. These design elements emulate a familiar home aesthetic and further facilitate a
comfortable, homey learning environment for the students. Classrooms are divided into three
zones, one for messes complete with sink, an area for quite individual exploration and learning
and a communal zone for teaching.

Additional safety features of the design include a secure lockdown entrance and weather-
resistant multipurpose room that can hold the capacity of the school (600). To that end, there are
also weather-safe communal bathrooms between classrooms. The River Trails Early Learning
Center is designed to comply with the ICC/ NSSA Standard for the Design and Construction of
Storm Shelters (ICC 500-2014) published jointly by the International Code Council and National
Storm Shelters Association.