When Jefferson City School District began planning a new early childhood center, leaders knew they needed more than a furniture supplier. “We needed a true partner,” recalls Frank Underwood, Director of Facilities, Safety, Transportation & Security. “School Specialty and its Projects By Design team were exactly that. From our very first conversations—long before we broke ground— they worked hand-in-hand with us to bring our vision to life.”
That early collaboration set the tone for the entire project. School Specialty brought a deep understanding of how young children learn and a willingness to shoulder the details from design renderings and product selection to logistics, delivery, and installation. Principal Danielle Westmoreland remembers countless planning sessions where the team anticipated needs and refined ideas, ensuring every classroom would be flexible, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate.
From Vision to Design
The district’s goal was ambitious: replace the aging Southwest Early Childhood Center with a $30-million facility that could serve up to 400 children, more than doubling capacity. School Specialty’s designers responded with concepts for 30 classrooms and four administrative offices arranged in five river-themed “pods”—Glacier, Mountain, Delta, Plain, and Ocean—each with its own outdoor learning space. “They created a foundation we could customize,” Westmoreland says. “It was a very collaborative process.”
Going Above and Beyond
Beyond design, the Projects By Design team walked every room of the old building, meticulously cataloging furniture and advising what to reuse. Their recommendation to outfit the new classrooms with Childcraft® furniture, backed by a lifetime finish warranty, balanced durability with budget. “These classrooms are cleaned constantly,” notes Account Manager Christopher Hoferitza. “We wanted furniture that would still look new after 20 years.”
A Community Celebration
When the 71,000-square-foot Jefferson City Early Childhood Center opened in August 2025, excitement rippled through the community. Teachers touring their new rooms were overcome with emotion. “One teacher just stayed in her room and cried tears of joy,” Westmoreland remembers. For Underwood, the project’s success lies in the partnership itself. “School Specialty was more than a vendor—they were a full partner in building something truly special for our children. We’re confident this facility will support generations of learners to come.”
Media coverage of the new center’s Aug. 7 grand opening captures this enthusiasm. As incoming teacher Leah Skinner told local NBC affiliate KOMU-TV: “Oh my gosh, so many opportunities here. So many opportunities. … We’re (now) able to reach kids at different levels and attack those needs and supports early.”
Create Your Own Early Learning Environment
Many things go into designing a learning environment specifically for young students. Ensure your project’s success by partnering with School Specialty throughout the process. Learn more on our website.