‘American Restoration’ gives boost to Las Vegas learning center

The effort to create a downtown-area learning center that offers scholarships for low-income children could get a publicity boost from a Las Vegas-based television show.

Rick and Kelly Dale of History channel's "American Restoration" are scheduled to visit the future site of Variety Early Learning Center for an open house today .

Variety, a nonprofit center that provides care and education for children, is moving into the former Nevada State Museum building at Lorenzi Park. The move involves an overhaul of the building to convert it from a museum to a school-like environment.

Youngsters who attend the new campus for early child care once it opens will get a daily breakfast, lunch and snack, outdoor play time and structured creative activity.

Kids in child development programs receive pre-kindergarten education that includes reading, writing, math, science and computer readiness.

The school has about 125 children at its current location and could double its enrollment at the new site. It started in 1956 as Divine Providence Variety Day Home and was operated by the Sisters of the Holy Family. It changed its name to Variety Early Learning Center to reflect its nonsectarian mission and in 1982 added infant care and scholarships for low-income families.

It has an annual operational budget of about $1 million and is supported by grants, private donations and tuition, which is charged on a sliding scale based on a family's ability to pay.

The open house is a chance for the public to see the new facility, which the school is leasing from the city of Las Vegas for $1 per year, before the renovation.

The event is from 9 to 10 a.m. at the former Nevada State Museum in Lorenzi Park, 700 Twin Lakes Drive.