New Early Learning Center, East Maine School District 63, Des Plaines, IL received an Award of Merit for Excellence in the Design of Educational Environments from Illinois Association of School Boards

In selecting entries for the exhibition, the jury gave prime consideration to solutions to the stated educational program require­ments.

For example:

• Program/Challenge – Functional relationships, special challenges met, community partnerships, context (urban/suburban/rural)
• How does the facility meeting 21st century educational environmental needs – Project based learning, integrated curriculum, integration of technology with curriculum, learning styles/multiple intelligences
• Design – Context, color, pleasant learning environment, age appropriate, furnishings
• Unique energy efficiency or Green features – Green power, innovative design
• Safety (NIA to renovation/rehab/special projects) – Passive security design, traffic patterns