Peake Early Childhood Development Center

Project Summary

The Peake Early Childhood Center in Newport News, Virginia, is a state-of-the-art early learning facility designed to support childhood development, educator training, and community collaboration. Officially opened in June 2025, the new center serves as a “living laboratory” through a partnership between the City of Newport News, Peake Childhood Center, and Virginia Peninsula Community College (VPCC). The facility accommodates up to 200 children ages six weeks through four years old in a nurturing, modern educational environment.

Designed with child wellness and early learning in mind, the center features age-appropriate playgrounds, a children’s library, and a dedicated gross motor skills room that encourages physical development and active learning. Expansive windows throughout the building maximize natural light to support students’ circadian health and create bright, engaging classroom spaces.

A signature component of the project is the VPCC Center of Excellence, which functions as a lab school where college students pursuing careers in education complete classroom observations, internships, and hands-on training. This innovative model strengthens the future workforce in early childhood education while delivering high-quality care and learning opportunities for enrolled children.

The project team, including architect Quinn Evans, was recognized with an Association for Learning Environments Virginia Chapter’s Silver Merit Award for excellence in new construction.