Waitaki Valley's only preschool centre now has a rosy future, just months after fears were raised it would be forced to close.
Kurow Preschool Early Childhood Centre was losing its only qualified teacher, and was unable to attract a new one.
However, following publicity, the preschool was able to employ a new qualified head teacher, Gemma Anderson, from Duntroon, along with two other qualified staff and another three part-time staff.
Even better news is the plan to relocate the centre, which at present caters for 22 children from Duntroon to Omarama, to bigger facilities next year as part of the redevelopment of the Waitaki Valley School.
Centre manager Bev Wilson said the relocation would bring major benefits for staff, children and parents.
The centre faced a crisis in August when its only qualified teacher, head teacher Angela Thompson, decided to move to South Canterbury. That left it without a qualified teacher, which it needed to meet Ministry of Education criteria for funding.
Publicity in the Otago Daily Times about the difficulty in attracting qualified staff resulted in inquiries. The centre now has more qualified staff than it had before, and will be fully staffed next year.
The centre is planning to shift from the premises it leases in Ranfurly Rd from the Waitaki District Council to the Waitaki Valley School site.
Its present premises meet the minimum requirements for floor space, which poses a problem in wet weather.
The new centre at the school will have three times as much space, and give access to other facilities such as the gymnasium, swimming pools and sports facilities.
Preschoolers will be able to interact with older children through school activities.
Centre staff will have the support of school staff, and there will be an easier transition for children from preschool to primary school education, even if they do not go on to attend Waitaki Valley School.
