A new early childhood education center opening this month in Duncan, S.C., offers a look at how school districts, community organizations, and private-sector partners can work together to address both educational and workforce needs.

Designed by McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture, the 44,500-square-foot Middle Tyger Education Center will increase Middle Tyger Community Center's child-care capacity from about 60 children to 265, serving infants through 4K. The facility includes 17 classrooms as well as indoor and outdoor play areas, family support and counseling spaces, training rooms, administrative offices, and space for future expansion.

The virtual fly-through shows how the design uses natural light, age-appropriate colors and forms, and connections to outdoor play and learning areas to create an environment tailored to young children. For education facilities leaders, the project also provides an interesting model for pairing early childhood facilities with broader family services and workforce support through a public-private partnership.

Watch the video for a virtual tour of the Middle Tyger Education Center before it opens to families in August 2026.