Programming Documents for Pre-K for SA - The City of San Antonio

• Two new centers will be constructed on the north and south side with
approximately 350 students each (ages 4 to 5). A low student to teacher ratio
of 15 students to one teacher and one teaching assistant is the goal. In
addition, the new facilities will serve as teaching labs for professional
development of local teachers (+/- 550 individuals city-wide) and for those
studying to enter the education profession.
• In addition, the centers will be used for community outreach through parent
development and related workshops which will allow parents to engage with
certified teachers and learn how to help their children advance while outside
the classroom through activities such as reading to them/together.
• It was noted that the requirements for what makes the best model early
childhood education center are fairly easy to outline. However, the type of
facility that the City is proposing is, with the community
outreach/professional development services and components, is unique and
will be a challenge.
• Any component of the center which is community outreach or will have
general public access should be segregated and distinct from the classrooms
and children for security/safety. Consider placing these components on the
exterior perimeter of building when designing.
• Ideally, the classrooms/children’s areas could be locked
down/secured separately, but the common/public area could still be
easily accessed allowing for weekend/after-school activities.
• Curriculum is still being developed. However, it is agreed that any
curriculum will revolve around movement of children within the classroom
through the creation of “learning centers” where children will learn through
activities and manipulating their environment.
• Centers will require ADA and handicap/special ed accessibility/capability
but will not serve the most severely handicap students. These students will
receive assistance/education at other facilities city-wide which are
specialized in education of these types of individuals and have the proper
facilities to accommodate them.
• Parents should feel welcome and the centers should be designed in a manner
which promotes the community to take ownership of it and pride in it,
encouraging parents to be involved and volunteer, as well.
• Parents and community members that enter the building should first and
foremost feel that students are safe and a second goal is that they feel
welcomed.
• Entry lobby/foyer should have a place for a monitor (who will check
ID of visitors) and direct guest to where training will take place. The
space should have a more “living room” type of feel and provide
places for children’s work to be displayed.
• Exterior signage will be important in providing the center with an identity
and visibility to pedestrian and vehicular traffic passing by.
• Technology will be integral to the classrooms and throughout the building
(i.e. WiFi, projectors, etc.). Cameras will be utilized for surveillance of the
City of San Antonio Early Childhood Centers of Excellence
Preliminary Meeting with CoSA Education Policy and Services Administrator Page 2
July 10, 2012