The center has the capacity to enroll approximately 184 children between the ages of six months to five years. The building distinctively caters to children’s needs, including shorter fixtures that are an appropriate child’s height, low to the ground windows, low sinks and water fountains. The use of natural lighting and expansive windows was especially designed by Mahlum Architects. Outside the building is a world-class playground with rope climbing, basketball nets, music features on the play structure and a tricycle path. The playground flooring is made of poured in-place-rubber, a soft sponge-like material designed to absorb impact.
Early Childhood Education Center
Size
This 21,000 SF project includes a Head Start and Early Head Start program; both are federally funded and provide affordable child development services, as well as pre-school, to low-income families.
Clients
Architects
Press
Mt. Hood Community College to open early childhood center | The Oregonian
Mt. Hood Community College Early Childhood Center | Walsh Construction Co.
Top Project: Mt. Hood Community College ECE | Walsh Construction Co.
MHCC opens new building to serve students, children and their parents | Mt Hood Community College
MHCC and Head Start collaborate on a new early childhood center | Mt Hood Community College
Testimonials
“The project received [the AIA Honor Award] only because of your support and tireless efforts in maintaining the design quality throughout the construction and especially throughout the ongoing VE during construction. I hope we can work together in the future!
Great job!!” - Rene Berndt AIA Mahlum
Building this new child discovery campus wasn’t a simple task: construction crews had to be careful not to disturb classes and child care on the active campus. Walsh Construction Co. found innovative ways to keep construction and site work on schedule and on budget.
Ceilings in the building’s hallways are made of lumber salvaged from the college’s basement. Local high school students made cubbies and benches for the building, using materials paid for by the college.