UNLV’s College of Education broke ground on the first and second phases of the new preschool expansion project today, thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor who has contributed $10 million toward the $21 million needed for the expansion’s first two phases.

“This project exemplifies UNLV’s ongoing commitment to meet the needs of families throughout Southern Nevada,” said UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield. “Expanding access to early childhood education for our campus and the surrounding community is a priority, and this important project – made possible by incredibly generous philanthropic support – will nearly double our preschool’s current capacity. Our university's future is dependent on our children growing up in a supportive environment that promotes education.”

Phase I expansion will add one new 6,900-square-foot building to the Lynn Bennett Early Childhood Education Center and make improvements to the current site. In addition to serving as an entrance for the center, the new building will include:
Two new classrooms 
A parent resource center
A family lounge
A conference room

The project also includes 20,000 square feet of site improvements including a new fenced playground, landscape areas, metal canopies, and fabric shade structures as well as reconfiguration of the adjacent parking area.

“We’re looking forward to new spaces for our 3-5-year-old students,” explains Center Director, Claire Tredwell. In addition to creating space for about 40 more students, the classrooms will feature observation areas for student teaching. “In addition to caring for the next generation of Rebels, we’re providing real classroom experience for student teachers in our early childhood and special education programs.”

The $10 million received from a generous donor provided the launchpad for this campaign, which now has $16 million set aside for the first two phases of the expansion. “There is perhaps nothing more noble than building bright futures from the beautiful foundation that is our UNLV preschool,” said Interim Vice President of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement, Bo Bernhard. “Thanks to our generous donors, today is a special day in our university's history. And we’re not done yet— we are still looking for more supporters who share our vision and hope to bring an even bigger preschool expansion to life.”   

Renderings of the expansion project are available online.