Learning
Community
Center
of North Omaha

Client
Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties
Location
Omaha, NE
Size
19,500 SF
Completion date
September 2014

The Learning Community Center of North Omaha acts as a nexus to serve the community near North 24th Street in Omaha, Nebraska, connecting several learning programs in one opportune location. 

Focused on creating stronger communities and a better future for all, The Learning Community works with children and families to measurably improve educational outcomes for those experiencing poverty. In support of it mission, the Community partnered with RDG to design an educational facility to serve teachers and future teachers, parents and caregivers and, most importantly, young learners. Completed in 2014, the Learning Center of North Omaha brings together multiple programs into one dedicated space to provide innovative early childhood education, family skill-building workshops, parent outreach and learning sessions and training for community childcare providers and educators. 

RDG's design encompasses multiple wings dedicated to specific educational programming. The west wing of the center includes two early childhood development learning classrooms, while the south wing includes three classrooms, one of which is used for early childhood instruction for those seeking a degree in early education. The other two classrooms provide learning opportunities for parents through continuing education and are also utilized by several area colleges and universities that offer onsite classes. An observation room at the core of the classrooms features digital audio and video capture of young users, allowing participants to interact with the instructors as part of the onsite early education degree program. 

A central connector houses the indoor play center for children in the Educare program, as well as a multipurpose/conference room that is used by community groups. The entry reception space is designed to maintain specific traffic flow so that students of education courses will not interfere with children heading to the early learning classrooms.

Exterior of Learning Community Center of North Omaha.