Cranston, Rhode Island
Little Learners Academy of Atwood is the fifth and newest child care facility owned and operated by Little Learners Academy in Rhode Island. The facility now houses 8 classrooms, including 5 infant/toddler rooms and a RIDE State Pre-K classroom, but was formerly a beauty and business academy. The vacant building provided a large footprint with additional benefits for a conversion to child care, including large windows, high ceilings, ample plumbing, and adjacent parking.
The large outdoor play space was built on the existing parking lot, with the addition of safety surfacing, fencing, and concrete vehicle barriers. A uniquely-designed double ramp acts as a barrier between two play spaces designed for different age groups, allows access for strollers, and provides a vertical surface for water play and chalk drawings.
A new security system allows entry only to authorized users who have a key fob issued by Little Learners Academy, and street-facing windows are one-way mirrors for privacy. The classrooms have a neutral color palette with an emphasis on wood furnishings, brown rugs and flooring, and nods to plant life and greenery to support sensory regulation. The project architect, Arketekcher Architecture, was hired through LISC as a consultant and utilized separate funding beyond $2.2M.
| Year Completed | 2024 |
| Construction Type | Retrofit of non child care site |
| Total Development Cost | $2,200,000 |
| Sources of Funds/Capital Stack | ECCE Capital Fund |
| Square Footage | 9,900 SF |
| # of Children | 120 children |
| # of Classrooms | 10 classrooms |
| Construction Cost/Child | $8,333.33/child |
| Construction Cost/SF | $101.01/SF |