Districts are spending big on schools tailor-made for 4-year-olds

Educators increasingly recognize the benefits of personalized pre-K environments, leading to a shift in school design. Melissa Turnbaugh notes a growing openness to reimagining these spaces. Jefferson Early Learning Center is designed from a child’s perspective, fostering immersive, play-based learning. Classrooms like “Veterinary” and “Tinker Town” encourage exploration, creativity, and autonomy. Outdoor “back porch” spaces serve as communal areas for students and families, while a sensory room provides a calming retreat. Situated on 20 acres with natural prairie surroundings, the campus promotes hands-on learning and environmental awareness. Educators say this approach has improved students’ confidence, self-regulation, and independence, shifting from teacher-led instruction to child-driven learning. Read the full article in The Hechinger Report.