The Urban Land Institute (ULI) recognized Del Valle ISD’s Central Child Development Center (CDC) as a finalist in the “Next Big Idea” category at last night’s Impact Awards. ULI Austin’s annual Impact Awards are an opportunity to recognize and celebrate projects and people throughout Greater Austin that exemplify ULI’s mission: to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide.
This month, Del Valle ISD and Pfluger Architects celebrated ribbon cuttings at three new Child Development Centers. As part of the district’s 2019 Bond projects, the CDCs will offer more childcare options throughout the district and provide improved support for staff by eliminating waitlists for childcare.
Looking at the project from a child’s perspective, Pfluger’s design for each CDC creates a sense of belonging. Using the same colors and materials at each center helps create a comforting and recognizable atmosphere, making it easier for children to adjust when their parents need to switch childcare locations.
The design of the Central CDC, open to children of district staff, places a welcoming, sunlit courtyard at its heart. It stands out in two ways. The first is its unique partnership with Thinkery, a leading children’s museum and educational nonprofit which provides educators with the tools and training to implement a play-based, STEAM-learning approach. Secondly, it offers daytime childcare for teen parents pursuing their education, if they take a parenting class during the day.
“We designed these spaces for Del Valle’s youngest learners to begin their educational journey,” said Jessica Molter, Managing Principal of Pfluger’s Austin Office. “Each center is a welcoming place where learning is fun and creates meaningful experiences for every child.”
The collaboration between Del Valle ISD and Thinkery began when Thinkery offered its professional development program to PreK educators. Then, through discounted field trips for Title I schools, Del Valle students could visit Thinkery. Recognizing barriers like cost and transportation outside of school hours, the Central CDC was conceptualized to bring museum experiences directly to students.
“All children have limitless potential, but not all children have limitless opportunity. And this space is a step for us to change that. The learning experiences that will happen here will put these children on the path to thrive and cultivate a lifelong love of learning. We hope that the partnership between Thinkery and Del Valle ISD serves as a model on how to fuse formal and informal learning opportunities to create even greater impact.” shares Thinkery CEO Andy Bell.
“The new building is AMAZING!!! This is such an exciting moment for DVISD, families of the CDC and the employees who began working in this program 31 years ago and are still working at our center, as well as all of the employees we have had along the way,” added Scott Wille, the Central CDC director. “What a heartwarming gift you have given them!”
Thinkery – Del Valle is projected to open to the public in August 2024.
About Pfluger
Pfluger creates beautiful, functional, environmentally sensitive spaces that meet the needs of those we serve. Our inclusive and collaborative teams respect ideas that reflect independent thought and individual backgrounds. We believe that by empowering our differences, we can achieve extraordinary results that will inspire people to create a more meaningful human experience.
About Thinkery
Thinkery is leading the future of play-based STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning by inspiring and equipping all children to be confident, creative thinkers. In relationship with the Central Texas community, Thinkery is equitably expanding access to joyful learning experiences, and deepening impact through quality and growth of education programs. As a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit organization serving hundreds of thousands of children and their grownups each year, Thinkery aims to put the joy in learning so children can cultivate a lifelong love of learning and thrive.
