Planning Rationale
Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) provides children with essential opportunities to learn and practice the social-emotional, problem-solving, and academic skills that they will use throughout their lives. The district’s goal is to provide universal full day Pre-Kindergarten access to all 4 year old children. This may require the renovation of existing spaces or the construction of new facilities. When new elementary schools are planned, Pre-K classrooms, toilet facilities and other supporting spaces shall be planned depending on the facility type. The number of Pre-K classrooms to be provided shall align with the planned K-8 classroom per grade count.
The Pre-K classroom environment may take various forms such as a Pre-K classroom in an elementary school or an early learning center. An early learning center may provide dedicated space for Pre-K children and can support student/parent and parent/parent engagement that may occur as a part of the Early Childhood curriculum. Please see Volume 2 for additional information on Pre-K facilities and planning considerations.
The Office of Early Childhood Education (OECE) and the Department of Planning and Data Management will provide guidance regarding the needs and preferred solution for Pre-K expansion. OECE and the Department of Capital Planning and Construction will collaborate on the feasibility of proposed expansion solutions and school outreach. The design manager will then oversee the scope, development and design process.