Little Rock School District is highlighting its commitment to Early Childhood education and its investment in downtown neighborhoods with the grand reopening of the Rockefeller Early Childhood Center. The renovation of the 1978 Rockefeller Elementary transformed a windowless, spartan facility into a welcoming, playful, learning environment that celebrates children’s imagination and creativity with light filled classrooms, views to the outdoors, and a logical and secure entry sequence from curb to classroom.
Out of the existing, austere open-plan school, 18 classrooms (1 year old to P4) and 2 infant care rooms (0-18 month), each with dedicated restrooms, storage, and age-appropriate furniture were created that exceed standards for Pre-K Learning Facilities. The new layout organizes the building into developmental neighborhoods in addition, shared multipurpose spaces were created with dynamic play installations that are meant to encourage playfulness and exploration.
The classical four elements of Light, Air, Water and Earth were the inspiration for the interior color and material palette. These themes are carried through wallcoverings and inspirational graphics to create age-appropriate zoning and wayfinding throughout the facility. Every building material, fabric and graphic was carefully selected to bring soft and playful shapes into the building to create a more child friendly environment that is sanitary, durable, and low maintenance. Landscaping was provided at full height classroom windows to include nature observation as part of the learning environment.
A generous meeting room was created adjacent to the exploratory zones, that has dedicated entry and restrooms specifically provided to allow after-hours use by neighborhood groups. Multiple designated staff areas support teachers and aides during their day.
In addition to the aesthetic and academic transformation, the building structure was reinforced and enhanced to meet current seismic requirements. A building wide fire sprinkler system was added, along with new accessible restrooms throughout. Other building utilities and technology were replaced or upgraded to meet the demands of 21st century education.
