The $11 million school being built near the Huntington Estates neighborhood on the Naperville/Lisle border will serve young children with special needs as well as "typical" peers who pay tuition. 

Previously, children in the program were spread across five district schools, using classrooms meant for older children. ...

The 48,000-square-foot building is one story and officials hope it will both blend in with the surrounding neighborhood and also make its students feel at home.

"We're trying to make it look as residential as possible," Weaver said.

Sixteen classrooms in the building will be divided into four "neighborhoods" with a multipurpose room in the middle of the building.

The classrooms are designed to be flexible spaces for large or small group work. Windows at varying heights will provide natural light and give even small children a view of the gardens outside as well as a peek into the hallway. Each classroom will have a nearby bathroom, office and storage space.

Outside, the school will have its own secure playground and the district will rebuild a neighborhood playground.

The early childhood center will be the district's first green building and officials plan to apply for the building to get Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. The district also received a $333,978 grant from the state Environmental Protection Agency. ...

Lamp Inc. is managing construction of the building that was designed by Wight & Company.

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