Del Valle Independent School District (ISD) is expanding its childcare program, giving staff reliable childcare while creating new learning experiences for young children. At the center of this effort is the new Central Child Development Center (CDC), the district’s largest CDC facility, designed in partnership with The Thinkery, a children’s museum in downtown Austin. This collaboration brings interactive, museum-style learning into the school environment, sparking children’s curiosity with hands-on exhibits and making early education more engaging and accessible.

Each Child Development Center in the district is designed by Pfluger to support children at every stage of early learning. Classrooms are color-coded to create a natural progression – infants start in calming blues and purples before transitioning to brighter hues as they grow. A central library in every center reinforces Del Valle ISD’s commitment to early literacy, helping students develop a love for reading from the start of their education journey.

The design prioritizes how children experience their environment. Low windows bring in natural light and create connections to the outdoors. A secure courtyard at the heart of each center provides a safe outdoor play area while filling interior spaces with daylight. Inside, a continuous corridor connects classrooms, allowing for an easy flow between spaces no matter the weather.

Through its partnership with The Thinkery, the Central CDC transforms classrooms into exploration hubs where hands-on STEAM learning sparks curiosity and creativity. The facility includes dedicated rooms for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, expanding access to high-quality early education for families across the district. Beyond serving enrolled children, the Central CDC is a resource for the entire community, opening its doors after hours and on weekends as an interactive children’s museum. Thinkery Del Valle provides museum-quality programs in an area with limited access to these experiences. Elementary students from across the district also visit for play-based field trips, extending the center’s impact through play-based learning in their own district.

Across all locations, a consistent color palette and materials create a familiar environment, making transitions easier when families relocate within the district. Thoughtful design details – like courtyard play features inspired by the local community, including a paleta cart and sculptures of native birds – help children feel at home, reinforcing a sense of place and belonging.

Design: Pfluger Architects
General Contractor: American Constructors
Photography: Tom McConnell