Niagara Nursery School officially launches fundraising campaign

The Niagara Nursery School (NNS) is officially launching its expansion fundraiser, with plans to reduce its wait list and provide child-care options for more local families.

Located at the community centre, NNS has served the families of NOTL for 48 years.

However, as more families choose to call NOTL home, many are faced with the stark reality that childcare options are lacking, says a press release announcing the launch of the fundraiser.

“With no licensed childcare for infants or toddlers, and a current waitlist of more than 140 children, NNS, the Town of NOTL, and the Region of Niagara have created a much-needed solution: expanding NNS. A grant from the provincial government secured in early 2018 by NNS executive director Candice Penny, together with generous contributions from the Town of NOTL and the Region of Niagara, helped make this exciting venture possible, however funds are still required to see the project to completion.”

NNS is excited to launch its fundraising campaign, the press release says, “engaging both community members and partners who wish to build their legacy, support their local community and ensure that the children of NOTL have access to vital early childhood education.”

Fundraising efforts will enable this expansion to facilitate: 

• The addition of infant and toddler care for children aged 18 months and younger - with the expansion there will be 10 infant care spots (up from zero), 15 toddler care spots (up from zero), and an additional 5 school-aged spots. 

• Families with multiple children of varying ages remaining together at one location, easing the burden of multiple drop-off and pick-up locations. 

• An integrated, intergenerational focus of care by allowing children ongoing, easy access to the Community Centre’s abundant resources. 

• The addition of three new playgrounds, outfitting of age-specific children’s spaces, and additional educational supplies. 

Currently, NNS is located on the west side of the community centre. To accommodate the growing demand, the Town will be developing the expansion on the community centre’s east wing. While this new wing will house NNS, the building itself will be a Town asset. This will allow the current site of NNS to be repurposed for community use by the Town. 

Penny says she is very excited for the expansion and what it means for the growing community. “To be able to continue to offer quality early childhood education to more children and families in our community is a dream come true.” 

For more information on the expansion and donation options, visit niagaranurseryschoolexpansion.com or donate directly at canadahelps.org/en/charities/niagara-nursery-school/

NNS Executive Director Candice Penny can be contacted at [email protected]