Bakersfield, CA: School opens $14.2M early childhood, special needs complex

Aug 5, 2026, ABC23, Bakersfield, CA: McFarland school opens new early childhood and special ed complex

The $14.2 million complex at Kern Avenue Elementary features nine new classrooms and specialized amenities for special education students.

What was once an older building at Kern Avenue Elementary has now been remodeled into a dedicated learning space for the district's youngest students. However, the building does more than prepare students in the classroom.

“I was scared of the safety because my son he does run, he doesn’t know about dangers,” said parent Hildeliza Reyes.

For Hildeliza Reyes, safety was always one of her greatest concerns as the mother of a child with autism.

Now, she says the new early childhood and Special Education complex at Kern Avenue Elementary has brought her comfort, confidence and peace of mind. . . .

Now, specialized features like in-class changing tables and showers are helping students stay focused in the classroom while allowing staff to remain nearby and fully engaged with their students.

This is only one part of the campus transformation.

Superintendent Aaron Resendez says three classrooms of the nine classrooms in the complex are dedicated to special education students, while the remaining rooms are designed for transitional kindergarten and first grade students.

“These classrooms are not a remodel,” said Resendez. “They are completely new builds. They meet the size requirements, they meet the needs of our students, and they also support our teaching staff.” . . .

The groundbreaking $14.2 million project took two years to complete. Resendez says the entire project was funded by the state, without using local taxpayer dollars from McFarland residents.

From a former building to a new learning space, the district says this transformation is all about supporting students in their first steps of education.