PBK on Designing Supportive and Secure Early Learning Spaces

Riverdale Early Learning Center and Bayleigh Kempainen are featured in School Construction News for their innovative approach to early childhood education and community engagement. 

Research shows early exposure to fun, supportive learning environments increases the likelihood of long-term academic success, Kempainen emphasized that the vision behind the Early Learning Center is multifaceted. The new facility not only addresses the county’s growing pre-kindergarten needs but also aims to reengage students who may have fallen off the educational radar, setting them on a path toward high school graduation and beyond. 

Designed to serve approximately 500 students across 24 classrooms, the Center is much more than a traditional Pre-K school. 

“It’s more than just a Pre-K center,” Kempainen explained. “It also includes wraparound community services.”

These services include a daycare, health clinic, counseling and mental health support, and observation rooms where parents can view therapeutic play sessions. This holistic approach ensures that both students and families are supported from multiple angles. 

With its expanded mission to become a true community hub, the design also prioritizes student safety and security—an essential component of the facility’s planning and implementation. 

Read the article here.