The Wanaka Preschool was the first early childhood centre in town and this year it is celebrating its 35th birthday with enough money to begin renovation in December.
Centre manager Lo Stevenson said the preschool had been fundraising for years and was pleased to receive $300k in grants from two local trusts.
This included $250,000 from the Central Lakes Trust and more recently $50,000 from the Otago Lakes Trust, all going towards the preschool’s first major upgrade in over two decades.
The centre was at full capacity with 65 children enrolled and Ms Stevenson said with the increase in young families she was now getting a higher number of inquiries.
She added most of the interest was from parents with one-year-olds.
"There’s huge demand for early childhood spaces.
"I would probably have 100 one-year-olds on my wait list."
A big part of the renovation was set
expanding their current sleep area inside and outside with stretchers and sleeping bags, which Ms Stevenson said encouraged many health benefits.
A new kitchen area, new toilets and more family-friendly entry ways also awaited the preschool.
"It is going to be big and much needed," Ms Stevenson said.
"We’ve been fundraising for years to do this."
Construction will begin in December while the school was shut for its four-week summer break and would continue after the school reopened.
The preschool will also be celebrating its 35th birthday with a sustainability gala on November 8 with a barbecue, live music and book stalls.
