Child Development/Early Learning Facilities

Client: North Slope Borough

Location: Utqiagvik, Nuiqsut, Point Hope, and Anaktuvuk Pass; AK

Kuna prepared Project Analysis Reports (PARs) that outlined all viable options for repair and upgrade of existing facilities to childcare centers in Utqiagvik, Nuiqsut, Point Hope, and Anaktuvuk Pass. The PAR scope included coordination and interviews to determine each community’s needs, identification of site-specific concerns and alternative building reconfigurations, onsite building conditions assessments, development of project descriptions and justifications, conceptual plans, and project cost estimates.

Following completion of the PARs, Kuna was selected to provide design services for the Utqiagvik and Nuiqsut facilities. For the Utqiagvik Early Learning Center, our team delivered permit-level drawings, secured building permits, and provided construction administration services to convert a 3,000-SF, abandoned shelter into an operational child development center. For the Nuiqsut Early Learning Center, Kuna performed the extensive programming, design, and engineering required to convert an under-utilized, multi-purpose space into a functioning childcare facility. We prepared permit-level drawings that met childcare licensing, ADA, and fire safety requirements, and performed construction administrative services.

The smooth completion of the facilities was simplified by Kuna’s presence and project office in Utqiagvik. Our involvement from planning and design through construction administration ensured final project quality and protected the client for delays and additional costs during the construction process. Both the Nuiqsut and Barrow Early Learning Centers are successfully servicing their communities and can provide care for up to 50 children combined. Kuna staff traveled to the Utqiagvik childcare facility to complete staff interview after the facility had been operational for a while. The information collected helped us to gain insight on strengths and lessons learned in child development facility design.