Davenport, IA
The Davenport Community School District wanted to improve and increase the space of its early childhood education center, Children’s Village West to better serve its young students. The location was rented by the District, many of the classrooms were windowless, and it lacked indoor space for motor activities and a kitchen. The playground site frequently flooded and children had to cross a busy delivery driveway to access it.
The District purchased the Davenport Museum of Art and Wiese building to become the new location for Children's Village West.
Shive-Hattery remodeled and reconfigured the building interior to convert 40,000 square feet of museum and office space into an early childhood education center that serves 300 children ranging from six weeks to five-year-old. Renovated spaces and improvements include:
- Classrooms and common areas
- Kitchen to fix student meals on site
- Student restrooms with Dutch doors for greater privacy and safety
- Teacher workroom with individual computer stations
- Two motor rooms-one for a tricycle play area and another with an indoor ramp. A giant Tinker toy-shaped light fixture anchors the ramp area.
- Autism classroom
- Larger library
- Front porch area for student picnics and plays
- Upgraded and new mechanical systems
- New fire protection system including sprinklers
- New plumbing systems
- New heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems
The new location provides new learning opportunities for the children:
- Located near Fejervary Park, the center is able to facilitate outdoor recreation activities
- Being next to the Putnam Museum provides the opportunity to expand curriculum into the museum
The bright, spacious facility is functional and fun for students and educators alike.
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tags: classroom, day care, child care