Del Valle ISD — Central Child Development Center
Architect: Pfluger Architects, Inc.
“Purpose-built early childhood center to replace portables; supports infants, toddlers, pre-K, teen moms, and community STEAM partnership;
The Central CDC replaces aging portables with a permanent home rooted in care and play. The courtyard remains the center, where infants to preschoolers explore and build independence. Classrooms open to outdoor learning. STEAM partnerships extend learning for children and families beyond the school day.”
Design
The design reflects how young children move: scaled spaces, open circulation, and safety. Classrooms connect to outdoor zones for blended learning. Low windows, color transitions, and sensory finishes create calming spaces. Secure access and clear circulation give children confidence and support caregivers.
Value
Efficient systems and flexible layouts lower costs and adapt to evolving programs. Every square foot supports learning, family services, and after-hours community use. The compact layout preserves long-term value while providing safe, supportive spaces for children and families.
Wellness
Wellness is embedded in daily experiences. Secure trike loops, STEAM play installations, and sensory-responsive finishes support self-regulation, motor development, and joyful exploration. Zoned spaces, clear sightlines, and indoor-outdoor learning create safe, supportive environments for young children to thrive.
Community
The campus reflects the community’s culture while supporting teen parents and working families. Flexible spaces and extended access strengthen connections between families, schools, and the broader community.
Planning
Planning prioritized safety, literacy, parent support, storage, and protected circulation. The beloved courtyard, a non-negotiable feature, honors the original layout while advancing new learning models. The design supports early learning at every developmental stage.
School Transformation
Portables became a permanent campus for early childhood care. The design honors the site’s history while creating spaces where movement, play, and STEAM happen daily. Literacy, parent support, and family engagement are integrated—creating a safe, joyful place where learning and belonging begin.
Star of Distinction Category Winner