Facility Programming and Consulting was engaged by the City of San Antonio to prepare an architectural program of requirements for the Pre-K 4 SA Early Childhood Centers. The concept was presented by a board of local business and education leaders who were committed to determine if improvements to the city’s education outcome could be attained through a targeted financial investment. Three areas of education were studied. After one year of investigation and study, the committee determined that the greatest impact would be achieved if all investment was focused on early childhood education.

Research found that of the 20,000 four-year olds who are eligible for Pre-K instruction in the San Antonio area, approximately 5,000 are under-served. To place San Antonio in a position to provide a globally competitive and prepared workforce in the future, multiple early childhood centers were planned for construction. Each center will be provided with the following basic components: Instructional area; Administrative area; Professional development space to be utilized for training of teachers throughout the city, as well as community outreach, Building support functions, including a warming kitchen, laundry and building maintenance; and an outdoor play area.