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The last phase of a complete reimaging of the student experience in Elmhurst Community Unit School District 205, this comprehensive renovation of Madison Early Childhood Center addresses the same behavioral themes explored in prior District projects – student choice and independence – but reinterprets them for the youngest, most vulnerable student population in the community.

The organizing design concept merges three small group rooms, an indoor/outdoor gross motor space and literacy area into the center of the facility with refurbished classrooms surrounding the perimeter. The adjacency between and through these central spaces allows streamlined access to services, equipment and other vital resources used to support the diverse challenges that these young learners encounter throughout the day. Mobile furnishings, child-height windows and a soothing color palette inspired by natural elements create an overall learning environment that lets students know that this is their space and that they are valued and welcomed.

Student safety and security was a key guiding principal. The main office and student service suite flank either side of a new security vestibule. Once beyond the main entrance, student safety is maximized through a series of restricted corridors and locked doors, with access to services for adult visitors apart from the student activity areas.

Madison Early Childhood Center is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2025. This long-awaited child-centric remodeling will provide the comfort, adaptability and safety for students and their families to learn and grow in the years ahead.

Photo Credit: Christopher Barrett Photography

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Madison Early Childhood Center

A place to learn, grow, and belong.

Elmhurst Community Unity School District 205