Designing the Future of Early Learning: A Cross-State Collaboration for Experiential Classrooms

AIA Continuing Education Provider

PENDING

Date/Time: November 1, 2025 | 10:45 – 11:45 am

Room: 151-152

Audience: Architects, Engineers, Educators, Facility Personnel, Contractors / Suppliers / Manufacturers, Consultants

Call to Action:

  • Identify key design principles that enhance early childhood learning through experiential environments.
  • Learn how school districts can collaborate across state lines to scale innovative learning models.
  • Gain actionable insights into implementing experiential learning spaces within their own communities.

Abstract: Across the country, school districts are transforming early childhood education by reimagining learning environments. This session showcases a pioneering cross-state collaboration between architects, educators, and district leaders in Texas and South Carolina who are implementing experiential learning models. Anchored in the groundbreaking success of the Dr. Sarah K. Jandrucko Academy for Early Learners in Mansfield, TX, this discussion will highlight how innovative classroom design fosters hands-on, inquiry-based education. Joined by representatives from the School District of Pickens County, SC, the panel will share how they are adapting this model to expand early learning opportunities across state lines. Attendees will gain insights into research-backed design strategies, implementation challenges, and the measurable impact of these dynamic learning environments on student success. Through a combination of expert discussion, case studies, and interactive engagement, participants will leave with concrete ideas to implement experiential education spaces in their own districts.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Understand the Role of Design in Early Childhood Learning – Explore how spatial design can directly impact cognitive and emotional development in young learners.
  2. Examine the Jandrucko Model & Its Nationwide Influence – Learn how the experiential learning approach is shaping districts beyond Texas.
  3. Identify Cross-State Collaboration Strategies – Discover how districts and designers can work together to create scalable solutions for early education.
  4. Apply Practical Design & Implementation Tactics – Gain actionable steps for integrating experiential learning elements into new and existing school facilities.

Core Competency

Educational Visioning
Facilitating the translation of educational goals / vision into school design requirements.

Holly Teague
Holly Teague
Director of Planning, Huckabee

Holly is a resource for our clients; she specializes in curriculum development and programming. She is a former teacher and principal and served in these roles for nearly 20 years before moving into administration as a Chief Academic Officer. Holly works in collaboration with school districts and our project teams to help plan for and evaluate instructional programs and how they are represented in design. She brings a unique perspective that is wholly focused on the educator.

Ashton Oliver
Ashton Oliver
Principal, Jandrucko Academy for Early Learners

Traci Boyles
Traci Boyles
Principal, School District of Pickens County

LearningSCAPES 2025 Conference in Phoenix, Arizona

Venue

Phoenix Convention Center
South Building
100 North Third Street
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Dates

October 29-November 1, 2025

Contact

Email: donna@a4le.org
+1 480.391.0840