Assignments span New Jersey & Philadelphia/New York Metros
New Jersey / Philadelphia / New York — While the education sector has undergone sweeping disruptors in the past few years, federal and state support programs are presenting organizations like DIGroup Architecture (DIG), who are involved with reconfiguring how early childhood learning is delivered and prioritized across the region, with a sense of renewed focus. Among the firm’s latest projects are early childhood educational centers in Newark, Paterson, Passaic and East Brunswick.
“It became abundantly clear – even before the onset of the pandemic – that it was beyond time to take a critical look at how space was being defined and – more importantly – how it could be better used in the early childhood learning setting to ensure our young people are set up for future success, especially those in underserved communities,” said DIG principal Rich Alderiso. “Our approach is rather simple: we take into account a wide range of variables, from programming and stakeholders’ needs to funding, in order to create a stimulating and engaging environment that continually encourages the rapid brain development and potential of youngsters at an early age.”
In many cases, funding plays a role that is just as important as the community’s mission to facilitate early-childhood development. To support the former, three recent federal relief and stimulus packages – the CARES Act, CRRSA and ARPA – have earmarked $50B for childcare alone.
Along the Philadelphia-New Jersey-New York corridor, support to restructure and create a system for early education is unanimous. In fact, state officials and educational leaders are working collaboratively in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York to establish objectives and implement clear solutions to combat childcare and educational challenges, which are closely linked to establishing a solid foundation for future academic success.
DIGroup Architecture is uniquely qualified to take on the challenge of creating these spaces that have functional and aesthetic requirements and comply with funding requirements. The firm, which has a studio of highly skilled architects, designers and project managers who specialize in serving the academic sector, has experience creating and delivering high-performance and sustainable solutions.
One such example is the Clinton Hill Early Learning Childhood Center in Newark’s South Ward. Completed in 2021, the award-winning facility provides a place for children to learn, grow and develop, as well as a space for community members to gather.
Additional projects in the education space include Children’s Day Pre-School and Family Center in the City of Passaic, as well as an elementary school in East Brunswick. The firm has also completed or has been commissioned for several similar projects in New York.
“In each project we undertake, we work shoulder to shoulder with our clients and community members to develop a plan that makes sense for them,” said Alderiso. “It’s an exciting time for the education sector across our region and across the nation – and our team is ready, willing and able to support children and their families in all communities by delivering a modern discovery-based learning environment that fosters independence through architecture for change.”