Harmony Early Learning Center, a Levittown, N.Y.-based preschool for children 6 weeks through pre-Kindergarten, has opened a second location in Wantagh, N.Y.
The new school accommodates 115 children; by comparison, the Levittown location enrolls 47.
The two-story, 12,900-square foot building has been designed to reflect the single-family character of the surrounding residential community.
The roof combines flat, mansard, barrel, and ridge sections to break up the building mass and create a welcoming profile.
Children and parents enter through the main entrance at the northwest corner that leads into the main lobby through a security vestibule. A curved counter topped with white quartz serves as a security station and reception desk. A visitor seating area with built-in benches and a decorative pendant light fixture is adjacent to the counter.
The curve of the countertop draws visitors from the entry into the perpendicular double-loaded corridor that spans the length of the building. Staircases on each end of the corridor provide access to the upper and lower floors, as does an elevator, which is adjacent to the lobby. Staff enters the building through an entrance that leads directly to the parking lot.
The first floor houses two infant classrooms of about 416 square feet each, two toddler rooms of about 504 square feet each, an administrative office suite, an employee break room/locker room, and two staff and visitor bathrooms. The second floor contains four classrooms ranging in size from 560 square feet to 700 square feet each, a special purpose/meeting room, and one staff bathroom. Each classroom has a small kitchenette with a sink, refrigerator, storage casework, and a bathroom for the children.
The builder is McAlpine Contracting; the owner’s representative is KOW Building Consultants; and the architect is Michael F. McNerney Architect.
YouTube: Virtual tour of Harmony's Wantagh facility:
