Schmidt Associates Washington Township Early Learning Center

Following a full assessment and campus master plan, MSD of Washington Township decided to add a one-story building to the existing Community and Education Center (CEC) to make room for a new Early Learning Center for the district's youngest learners. This location would also benefit from shared infrastructure support.

The facility now serves as the new home for both a developmental preschool and a daycare for employees’ children, ages 2-5. The preschool addition includes administrative areas, a multi-purpose room, an activity zone, and classrooms arranged in “pods” with all associated support spaces.

"When you walk around, you see a playground that is built and accessible for all students; you see drinking fountains that are at a child's level. Where we might not think that's a big deal, it tells them that they are wanted here, that this is their space."  Kristen Parisi, Director

Preschool classrooms are configured in neighborhood pods, flanked by resource support spaces and calming or quiet areas. The neighborhoods provide space for collaborative play and learning outside of the classroom with a connection to both the classrooms and secure corridor leading to shared spaces.

A connection to nature is an important feature in the design and is facilitated through raised ceilings at the classroom perimeter for views of the tree tops. Accentuating this connection, the front entry has felt shaped tree forms that double as acoustical treatment and a sensory play area for students waiting for assessments or siblings.