Newton Early Childhood Program

To meet the increasing demand for enrollment, Newton Early Childhood Program (NECP) engaged us to transform and revitalize an existing elementary school in Newton, MA, into their new home. This district-wide integrated preschool caters to children aged 2.9 to 6 years old, serving 200 full-time and 100 part-time students, including those with special needs who receive comprehensive speech, occupational, and physical therapies.

Designing spaces for children with special needs requires thoughtful consideration and careful decision-making to create a setting that promotes comfort and well-being. Paying attention to sensory stimuli is crucial. Research shows that bright, saturated colors can be overly-stimulating. In contrast, soothing, chalky tones and off-whites cultivate serene spaces which promote ease and reassurance.

Every element of the signage and wayfinding was designed with a focus on emotional comfort and security. By using circular shapes, chalky tones, and rounded letterforms, the signage supports the interior design goal of prioritizing students’ emotional well-being.

Showcasing an engaging pattern of colorful, dimensional disks, the school’s main lobby now features a prominent installation inspired by the school’s hand-print logo. Students actively participated in the process by hand-painting the dots with child-safe milk paint matching the colors used throughout the school. The hands-on approach provided each dot with a unique pattern and fostered a sense of ownership and pride among students.

The combination of thoughtfully selected colors, shapes, and typography crafts a welcoming environment that ensures comfort for all—students, faculty, staff, and visitors alike. Furthermore, the student-created installation establishes a distinctive and engaging identity and nurtures a sense of pride and belonging within the student body.