West Lafayette
Early Childhood Education Center

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Duration

Current Phase:
Schematic Design

Next Phase:
Public Input Meeting
—–
Virtual Input Session

Construction Start:
TBD

Estimated Completion:
TBD

Documents

About

Early Childhood Education Is Essential Community Infrastructure. The City of West Lafayette conducted an early childhood education (ECE) gap analysis in 2024 that identified a need for an Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC). To help long-term stabilization and affordable access – the City is looking to provide a facility to help address this.

The City of West Lafayette has identified the current potential site located along Kalberer Road, West Lafayette, IN 47906. Next to Fire Station 3 and adjacent from the John R. Dennis Wellness Center. This location was selected because it has the densest number of families with the most children and a higher unmet need for early childcare services within the City of West Lafayette. This area is also in further demand due to population growth in the northern area of the city.

The City is committed to providing an Early Childhood Education Center to help stabilize access and affordability to ensure families are not being priced out. “An Education is the Birthright of Every Child” – a quote carved into the masonry at Margerum City Hall and reflects our community.

PROJECT TIMELINE

  • September 20, 2023 – Augenblick, Palaich and Associates (APA Consulting) was commissioned to create a comprehensive gap analysis to help us identify and meet the early childhood education needs in the West Lafayette community.
  • May 15, 2024 – The gap analysis study was presented to the Redevelopment Commission.
  • August 21, 2024 – The full West Lafayette Early Childhood Education Report was available.
  • Following this study the RDC released the request for proposals for a design team: StudioAxis was awarded the contract on February 18, 2026.
    • Note: The product of Schematic Design communicates the direction of the design.
  • May 12, 2026 –Workshop for Child Education Providers
  • June 17, 2026 – The West Lafayette Community will have the opportunity to provide input via a virtual option. The virtual input page will go live on Friday June 12, 2026, and will close Tuesday, July 17, 2026, at 4:00 p.m.
  • July 7, 2026 – The City of West Lafayette will host a community input session for actionable feedback from community members.
  • September 2, 2026 – The City of West Lafayette will host a second community input session for actionable feedback from community members.
  • 2029-20230 – Earliest time construction would be considered for this project and a Request for Proposals (RFP) would be released for a construction management contract.

How We Got Here

Early Childhood Education Study:  Gap Analysis

To understand how we’ve reached the current stage of planning for a potential ECE Center, explore our Gap Analysis. This resource details the analysis and key findings that have guided us to the public info phase of this exciting project.

This study was conducted before there were inquiries about large population growth in the northern area of the city and multiple 24-hour facilities being developed in the area. 

This exacerbates the need for long-term childcare education infrastructure in this area that can provide 24-hour support to our residents, local businesses, and the Greater Lafayette community.

Project Updates

On June 17, 2026, we’ll host a public input session. The boards below preview what will be on display that evening - including site design concepts and sustainability information.

The City of West Lafayette is continuing its work to plan for the future of early childhood education. We are hosting two …

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Call

(765) 775-5160

Email

development@westlafayette.in.gov