Our New Building: DETAILS

Details

Renderings of building Our dream of a state-of-the-art new school building came true Janurary of 2008. We proudly welcome children, families, future educators, community visitors, volunteers and our staff into our new home everyday.

Here are the details…

  • Planned in 2005 - 15,000 square feet. HOPE Center was 6800 Square feet. Design donated by David Nagrodsky; contracting donated by W & J Construction.
  • 55 square feet per pupil - larger rooms promotes better health, education.
  • Each classroom has storage, immediate access to the outside for learning extensions, sensory rooms and appropriate sanitary standards for better children's health.
  • Lab for creating instructional aids
  • Indoor therapeutic gym for self-regulation of emotional problems and improving body coordination
  • Large multi-purpose room for community functions, support groups and training sessions for early childhood development and inclusion practices. (Already an initiative around Florida for SCEIC)
  • Commercial kitchen for having events and dining here
  • Three adult bathrooms! (We had one before...)
  • Excellent technology planning for "phone seminars" and "webucation"
  • Snoezellen Room - blackened room with unique lighting, visual, and sensory opportunities for calming or “rousing” children toward self-control or alertness
Outdoor Environment
  • 15,000 square feet.
  • Playground equipment recycled from HOPE Center, minimizing cost of creating improved playground.
  • Mulch recycled from HOPE Center
  • Designed by landscape designer, Susan Hall, and constructed by GE Transportation Systems, led by David McKay and Troy Novak, assisted by a grant through the National Employees Group.
  • Incorporates latest research in nurturing children's growth, development, mental and physical health. Opportunities for children include: large motor, fine motor, sensory integration, upper body strengthening, balance, nature observation in animal life, plant life, atmospheric changes, social play, engineering and design, imaginary play and creative dramatics.
What is next?
  • Aquascape ecosystem of a pondless water system for children to learn and observe water movement, channeling and plant growth.
  • Additional habitats for birds, reptiles and amphibians
  • Geological differences observed through a rock garden
  • Through potential grants, we hope to install:
    • Solar panels and other alternative energy sources for children to observe and learn about
    • Rain barrel water catchment system
    • Engineering play station
    • Recycling waste program
A few notes on this building:
  • 100% of SCEIC staff moved this entire school. Volunteers consisted of staff, parents, supporters, Young Professionals of Brevard, Lead Brevard, college and high school students, Board members, Harris volunteers, GE Transportation, the Air Force and prisoners from the Sharpes facility. Our only expense was pizza and beverages for volunteers.
  • Families lost only two hours of service on Friday, January 14.
  • Coastal Hyundai has stored our stockpiled "stuff" for two years saving us thousands of dollars in storage fees.
  • Over $850,000 of in-kind services has been provided by community businesses, skilled trades, volunteers and others including products, talent and time in building the Center.