The Walled Lake Early Childhood Center illustrates a progressive vision for high-quality educational space beginning with the district’s youngest learners. The center was designed around the foundational elements of nature and play, supporting sensory, social emotional, deep, and hands-on learning for all students, with an emphasis on empathy and inclusion. Drawing inspiration from nature, these elements are visible from the main entry through every space in the interior using natural materials, aesthetics, color, signage, and scale. Design elements like the sensory lobby, the child-size door accessing the two classroom wings, the window alcove in each classroom, and the central activity zone were all intentionally designed to support the whole child and connect to the HighScope learning curriculum.

Sixteen classrooms, including dedicated spaces for special education, create an inclusive environment. Flexibility is key; all classrooms can access neighboring spaces and the common activity zone. The gross motor multi-use space supports physical therapy and indoor play opportunities for all students, and the backyard spaces aid in connecting the classrooms to nature.