Early childhood education has a tremendous impact on life outcomes. Yet only 51% of 3-and-4 year olds in the U.S. are enrolled in full-day pre-primary programs. The question of how to best provide early childhood learning has been posed across the nation, and particularly in areas of population growth, like Harrisonburg, Virginia – a refugee relocation area whose school enrollment has grown by 32% over the past decade.

The Elon W. Rhodes Early Learning Center was designed in response to ongoing research in the field of early childhood learning and through careful study of the Reggio Emilia approach that emphasizes self-directed, experiential learning opportunities in relationship-based settings. Rooted in the principles of respect, responsibility, and community, and paired with measured risk-taking, this self-directed approach echoes and supports Harrisonburg City Public Schools’ literacy vision which encourages “tasks that engage students in a continual process of constructing meaning through listening, speaking, and reading.” With a curriculum based on cognitive development, the Center encourages curiosity and inquiry in young learners to inspire lifelong learning.

The 2-story Early Learning Center is comprised of 9 learning studios connected to a central organizing promenade or “entourage” space that acts as a community hearth for dining, hands-on learning, art, and gathering. Transparency between the community entourage areas and learning studios reinforces social connections, enables passive/active supervision by educators, and celebrates the many benefits of natural daylighting. Immersed in a physical environment designed and scaled just for them, children develop confidence in approaching new environments and take measured risks to meet their needs, whether they be autonomous or collaborative in nature.

The entourage areas along with hubs for literacy and movement engage circulation outside the paired studios to foster community and diverse active spaces. Interior environments are designed to foster development opportunities for exploration and learning while connecting students to the outdoors. Play areas and a roof terrace support active movement, focused inquiry, sand and water play, and opportunities to explore nature.

The specific needs and focus of early childhood development demand a different program than one that supports elementary school learners. These needs prompt unique architectural responses that cater to the social, emotional, motor, and sensory development of early learners in order to support cognitive development. In response to these needs, Harrisonburg City Public Schools resolved to consolidate their early learning program into one campus, to create a center dedicated to supporting their youngest learners.