Student Shadowing
​First impressions matter. What did we discover about learners and educators?

As our team embarks on the design of a new centralized Early Childhood Center, the first step was to understand where we are coming from. What prompted this change? Who are the end users? What does a day in their life look like?

The items below are our initial observations of what this new facility should address as we embark on the design.

​Very hands on; lots of physical interaction

Need for multiple modes of instruction within each space (large group, small group, one-on-one, individual)

Lots of sensory learning + play

Need for highly flexible spaces

Need for places to decompress/de-escalate (both learner & educator)

Need to accommodate a very broad range of abilities & impairments

Providing for learners' educational, physical, mental & emotional needs

Facilitate student wayfinding (help educators "herd cats")

Prepare students to enter "the real world"

Support educators with spaces, technology, furniture, etc.