Her predecessor didn’t make it through lunch on her first day but that didn’t deter Evelyn Ludeman. From that first day on the job in 1974, her dedication to early childhood education at 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ never wavered.
Humble Beginnings
The day care, founded and supported by the 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ student government, was initially located in Tonopah Hall. That’s right, a residence hall, bustling with undergraduate freshmen, was also home to toddlers during regular business hours.
But in 1976, a project to convert the dorm into offices and classrooms threatened to evict the toddler Rebels. 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ President Donald H. Baepler decided to repurpose the building, forcing the preschool out by 1978. If the nearby Student Union couldn't take them in, the day care would close for good. With little time to spare, uncertainty loomed over the preschool's future.
Ludeman's determination knew no bounds. She advocated for the preschool through articles in local newspapers and even took the battle to Washington, D.C., where she met with members of Nevada’s congressional delegation. She even explored the possibility of Gerber Children's Centers, Inc. (a now-defunct division of the baby food company) taking over the center.
A New Home and New Hope
In 1977, thanks to the relentless efforts of Ludeman, staff, parents, and students, the day care survived and found a new home in the William D. Carlson Education building. There, the center continued to thrive, accommodating 75-100 children from ages 2-6 each semester. In its new home, the day care became an integral part of the college's commitment to preparing the next generation to educate young minds.
The Quest for Accreditation
Without pausing to celebrate her first victory, Ludeman began seeking accreditation for the preschool in 1978. Successful accreditation would set it apart from traditional day care centers of the time by emphasizing intentional lesson plans and skill development for young children.
The preschool received further accreditation in 1994 from the National Association for the Education of Young Children. It was one of the first programs in Southern Nevada to achieve the status, solidifying its reputation for excellence.
Before long, the preschool had outgrown its space within the Carlson Education Building. The dream of housing the preschool in its own building became a reality thanks to the generous support of Lynn and William Bennett as well as Dr. Joseph and Joan Lapan.
In early 2002, 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ broke ground on the Lynn Bennett Early Childhood Education Center (LBECEC).
Designed as an academic village for young minds, the state-of-the-art facility opened its doors in 2004. The center featured 10 classrooms, each with private gardens, that extended the learning environment outdoors. "This new facility is an investment in Las Vegas' most precious resource - its children,'' its namesake declared.
A Hub for Research and Learning
Today, the preschool is made up of six buildings, spanning nearly 21,000 square feet. It boasts 10 regular classrooms, two observation classrooms for research, a multipurpose room, administrative offices, and a family resource room. The new building expanded the preschool's capacity to serve 200 families each year, including infants as young as 6 weeks.
In addition to caring for children, the new center quickly became a model demonstration site for early childhood, teacher preparation, and research. Over the years, 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s early childhood and special education students have expanded their experiences by working in the classroom and deepened their understanding through classroom observations, research, and innovation. Research findings then go on to help schools and community groups advocate for improved resources for children and their families.
A Bright Future Beckons
Success brought increased enrollment demands, leading to a lengthy wait list for eager families. In 2022, a $10 million gift from an anonymous donor answered the call for even more space. The donation kicked off a fundraising campaign to expand the preschool. The expansion will double the capacity for the second time in its history and give the preschool the ability to serve 350-400 children annually.
The preschool’s mission under the guidance of Evelyn Ludeman has stood the test of time. In her 1984 interview with the Las Vegas Sun, she said that it's all about serving “the little children who love coming to our preschool and who receive such an excellent start for kindergarten and life. Also their parents, who can continue the education they might not otherwise have been able to do so.â€
The 51³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ/CSUN Preschool's resilience stands as proof of the power of determination, advocacy, and unwavering belief in the importance of early childhood education. It hasn't just survived but thrived, shaping the futures of countless young minds and their families.
