Brick Mill Early Childhood Center

As part of the Appoquinimink School District’s long-range plan to address an ever-increasing student population, it was determined that a new early childhood center was needed. It is located adjacent to the existing Brick Mill Elementary School which would allow connectivity between the two schools.

The new Brick Mill Early Childhood Center serves a diverse and lively population of 3, 4 and 5-year-old children. There are two Spanish Immersion kindergarten classrooms which have a 50/50 mix of English and Spanish language instruction. There are eight traditional (English-only) kindergarten classes. This is the first time Appoquinimink School District has preschool and kindergarten instruction in one building and it may become a model for future ECCs.

The curriculum at Appoquinimink School District’s early childhood center is based upon the child as a “whole” being. The school is designed to provide an atmosphere that allows the students to grow mentally, physically, emotionally, and socially.

The new Pre-K to Kindergarten school features twenty classrooms with adjacent breakout areas. They support the school district’s language, literacy, and mathematics curriculum, as well as scientific exploration. Along with the general classrooms, the building has specialized areas that foster creative expression as well as physical education. These include an Art room, a sensory therapy room, and an adaptive physical education room. There is a multipurpose room that provides area for overall physical instruction and serves as a cafeteria.

The exterior of the new early childhood center complements the existing elementary school which was designed by Gilbert Architects in 2003. The main entrance is centrally located and easily identifiable due to the high-volume light well that encloses the secure vestibule and lobby areas. The common spaces of the building, such as the administration offices, health suite, library, and multipurpose room are all easily accessible from the lobby. Classrooms are separated into a pre-kindergarten wing and a kindergarten wing and are located on either side of the administrative offices and core spaces, providing a balanced appearance to the building.

The Principal welcomes you on this virtual tour to learn more about the educational aspects of the new Brick Mill Early Childhood Center.