UNLV dedicates childhood center

Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2004 | 9:16 a.m.

A preschool that serves families of college students and others and offers hands-on experience for prospective teachers was unveiled at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Tuesday.

The Lynn Bennett Early Childhood Education Center, a 21,000-square-foot complex that serves 250 families with children ranging from 6 weeks to 5 years of age, was dedicated at the northwest corner of the UNLV campus.

"We're extremely proud of this new facility because it accommodates the educational needs of our students and better serves the practical needs of our community as well," UNLV President Carol Harter said. "It is an especially fitting tribute to Lynn Bennett and her late husband, William."

The center was built at a cost of $5.8 million, the bulk of which from a $5 million donation from the Bennetts.

Local architect Eric Strain of Assemblage Studios designed the complex around a village theme, with six buildings opening on to a central playground area.

The center has 10 regular classrooms, two observation classrooms for resarch, a multipurpose room, offices and a family resource room.

The preschool, which officially opened Jan. 20, was housed in the Carlson Education Building but was not equipped to handle children younger than 12 months.

"The two new infant rooms provide a welcome choice for working families and students," said Dr. Joseph Lapan, a retired pediatrician and one of the main donors to the project.