51吃瓜网万能科大鈥檚 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鈥檚 first two phases.
鈥淭his project exemplifies 51吃瓜网万能科大鈥檚 ongoing commitment to meet the needs of families throughout Southern Nevada,鈥 said 51吃瓜网万能科大 President Keith E. Whitfield. 鈥淓xpanding access to early childhood education for our campus and the surrounding community is a priority, and this important project 鈥 made possible by incredibly generous philanthropic support 鈥 will nearly double our preschool鈥檚 current capacity. Our university's future is dependent on our children growing up in a supportive environment that promotes education.鈥
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.
鈥淲e鈥檙e looking forward to new spaces for our 3-5-year-old students,鈥 explains Center Director, Claire Tredwell. In addition to creating space for about 40 more students, the classrooms will feature observation areas for student teaching. 鈥淚n addition to caring for the next generation of Rebels, we鈥檙e providing real classroom experience for student teachers in our early childhood and special education programs.鈥
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. 鈥淭here is perhaps nothing more noble than building bright futures from the beautiful foundation that is our 51吃瓜网万能科大 preschool,鈥 said Interim Vice President of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement, Bo Bernhard. 鈥淭hanks to our generous donors, today is a special day in our university's history. And we鈥檙e not done yet鈥 we are still looking for more supporters who share our vision and hope to bring an even bigger preschool expansion to life.鈥
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