--- title: Meeting Pre-K-12 Needs with Thoughtful Building from Active Listening description: St. Matthews childcare pre-K classroom construction meets rising family needs, showing a school building that bridges the gap in early learning facilities. --- [Blog ](https://www.cdsmith.com/blog) # [Meeting Pre-K-12 Needs with Thoughtful Building from Active Listening](https://www.cdsmith.com/blog/st-matthews-childcare-school-design-build) Written by [Molly Haack](https://www.cdsmith.com/blog/author/molly-haack) | Sep 8, 2025 9:33:31 PM ### TL;DR The demand for pre-kindergarten and before/after-school care is growing, but most schools lack the facilities to meet it. Only 42% of schools nationwide currently offer these programs. St. Matthew's Catholic School in Campbellsport, WI, expanded with new infant and pre-K classrooms to bridge this gap. Thoughtful design, community fundraising and collaborative construction made it possible. 🔗 Learn more about [education construction at C.D. Smith](https://www.cdsmith.com/education) ## Why Pre-K and Child Care Spaces Matter The need for before- and after-school care and pre-kindergarten (pre-K) programs continues to rise. Yet, according to the [National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)](https://nces.ed.gov/), **only 42% of schools** can accommodate families seeking these services. That leaves a wide gap between demand and availability. Communities are stepping up through fundraising and [referendums](https://www.cdsmith.com/referendum-services) to make sure families have options that support both student learning and family schedules. ## Case Study: St. Matthew's Child Care As enrollment grew at St. Matthew's in Campbellsport, WI, many families struggled to find sibling care and pre-K programs. To meet this need, the school expanded by adding **four new classrooms** designed specifically for infants and young pre-K students. Each classroom was intentionally designed to support different developmental stages, with: - Child-friendly restrooms for toilet training and independent use - Handwashing stations and snack areas to promote hygiene and nutrition - Nap zones for rest and relaxation - Reading nooks and quiet spaces to encourage early literacy - Play-based learning areas integrated with structured teaching methods “C.D. Smith was more than just a general contractor on this project—they were a partner. Actively listening during the planning phases of construction and renovation, and offering innovative solutions that aligned with budget and project goals." — *Joan Schlaefer, Principal, [St. Matthew's Catholic School](https://www.stmatthewofcsport.org/school)* ** ## Key Takeaways - **Pre-K demand is outpacing availability**: Families need more options than most schools can currently provide, and St. Matthew's expanded to meet rising demand. - **Design is about more than space**: Child-friendly restrooms, nap areas and literacy zones directly support childhood development and family routines. - **Collaboration is essential**: Successful projects are built on listening to families, schools and community partners. C.D. Smith aligned construction with educational goals. 🔗 Explore more about [K-12 construction projects](https://www.cdsmith.com/education#ed-projects) and how schools are shaping future-ready learning. ### Date: Spring/Summer 2025 | Author: Molly Haack **«•» ** **Follow C.D. Smith ON SOCIAL** #CDSmith #ThinkSafeWorkSafe **«•» **   #### [St. Matthew's Groundbreaking PROJECT UPDATE FROM BENEATH THE HARD HAT](https://www.cdsmith.com/blog/st-matthew-school-breaks-ground-on-daycare-addition-renovation-project)® Press and Blog   [St. Matthew School Breaks Ground on Daycare Addition + Renovation Project](https://www.cdsmith.com/blog/st-matthew-school-breaks-ground-on-daycare-addition-renovation-project) | [Beneath the Hard Hat](https://www.cdsmith.com/blog)® 03.25.2024 **«•» **   ## Related Posts for Further Reading - [St. Lawrence Seminary | Fr. Solanus Hall Dedication](https://www.cdsmith.com/blog/fr-solanus-hall-dedication-st-lawrence-seminary) - How private schools are adding new amenities while staying true to a mission of forming young minds in faith and service by building community-focused spaces. - [Howards Grove Middle School Ribbon Cutting](https://www.cdsmith.com/blog/howards-grove-middle-school-ribbon-cutting) - From [referendum](https://www.cdsmith.com/referendum-services) to reality: future-ready public school learning environments. - [New Boys & Girls Club in Ripon, WI](https://www.cdsmith.com/blog/ripon-boys-girls-club-grand-opening) - Over 200 donors and local champions made this dream possible through years of fundraising and advocacy. The Club offers a place where kids feel safe, comforted, and loved, often for the first time. 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