Lynn Bennett Early Childhood Education Center is the home of the UNLV/CSUN Preschool, a program of the UNLV Department of Educational & Clinical Studies. The center fosters the learning, growth, and development of children through promotion of integrated communities and facilities that focus on the whole child. This focus is grounded in classrooms and a center that are nurturing and inclusive learning communities, offering a curriculum that provides activities that are individually appropriate, and making available equipment and materials that give young children opportunities to learn through exploration and interaction with their environments.

Opening
January 20, 2004.
Cost
$5.8 million, funded chiefly by a $5 million donation from Lynn Bennett and her late husband, William, and other donations, including one from Dr. Joseph and Joan Lapan.
Size
Nearly 21,000 square feet of classroom and administrative space on 62,000 square feet of land, including approximately 30,000 square feet of playground space.
Staff
20 full-time staff and 135 student workers.
Enrollment
250 families are currently enrolled, with a maximum capacity of 400, which includes a number of part-time enrollments.
Ages Served
Six weeks to five years.
Licensure
State of Nevada Department of Human Resources, Division of Child and Family Services, Bureau of Services for Child Care.
Accreditation
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Community Partnerships
The Clark County School District Special Education Department and Nevada Early Intervention Services.
On-Campus Partnerships
Consolidated Students of the University of Nevada (CSUN), UNLV School of Nursing, William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration, Department of Psychology, and Department of Physical Therapy.
Architect
Eric Strain, Assemblage Studio.
Construction Firm
Isaac Building and Design Co.

Features and Amenities

  • Energy efficient design maximizes natural light and temperature control
  • Separate structures designed for each age group and one administration building
  • Slip resistant flooring materials, shock-proof electrical outlets, shatter-proof glass, and finger guards on all doors
  • Multipurpose room for special events, professional development, and university instruction programs
  • Research classrooms equipped with remote audio visual observation system, family resource room, lending library, and an infirmary with observation room
  • Every classroom equipped with computers, except for infant and young toddler rooms
  • Each classroom has a large roll-up door that opens onto an individual courtyard and garden, expect infant and toddler rooms, kitchenette, laundry, and teacher preparation and conference rooms
  • Landscaping contributes to learning experience by being incorporated into classroom curriculum (landscaping provided by Mountain States Wholesale Nursery)