Early Learning Center Groundbreaking & Construction

Despite on-again, off-again rain showers, an enthusiastic audience of students, parents, staff and dignitaries turned out to celebrate the beginning of construction for the newest school in Barrington 220. The soggy weather did not dampen the prospects for a building that represents the future of early childhood education in the Barrington area.

The new Early Learning Center will adjoin Prairie Middle School on East Dundee Road, housing federally mandated programs for pre-kindergarten children with special needs or who qualify for at-risk services. Located near several convenient transportation routes for families, the new eco-friendly school will replace the aging 1950s-era Woodland Early Learning Center in Carpentersville.

The $11.7 million construction project will be financed from a combination of bond sales, economic stimulus monies and funds from district reserves. The development will likely be almost $300,000 below budget due to lower-than-expected construction bids. The state-of-the-art center will open by the fall of 2010.

The building is designed by Perkins and Will, an international architectural firm renowned for creating child-centered educational environments, with project management provided by Pepper Construction of Barrington.