$2.1M preschool construction project underway in Slayton

Invenergy launches matching campaign for Wonder World construction

SLAYTON -- Construction is underway for new facilities for the only child care center in Murray County.

Ashley Haken, a member of the Wonder World Preschool board, said concrete work on the $2.1 million project will hopefully be finished up in the next couple of weeks. The goal is to complete the project by July 2027, she said.

"I think people are excited to see the progress has started," Haken said.

This week, an energy development company has also launched a matching gift campaign to support Wonder World Preschool's new building. Invenergy, a Midwest-based energy developer, announced Wednesday that it has committed an initial $10,000 donation to Wonder World Preschool's capital campaign, and will provide a dollar-for-dollar match on community donations up to an additional $20,000.

As of August 2026, Wonder World has raised more than 90% of its $2.1 million goal to build a new facility, a news release said. Wonder World has been working on a new location since 2024, when the preschool learned that it would be losing its lease for its current space.

Haken said there is an ongoing need for child care slots in the county, especially for infants and toddlers. The new Wonder World Preschool will have an expanded number of both, serving a total of 16 infants and 21 toddlers, she said. Overall, the facility will have spots for a total of 92 children, compared to the 76 it is licensed for today.

"Child care is important to keep a community growing and thriving," Haken said. Contributions like Invenergy's donation and community match showed that people valued having a child care facility in Murray County, she said.

Haken said Wonder World had also received $100,000 state grant that will pay for kitchen equipment in the facility.

Invenergy has been active in southwest Minnesota with proposed projects like the Purple Skies wind energy and Lake Wilson solar energy centers.

“I am proud to work for a company that supports families and our energy-producing communities like this one,” said Molly Malone, development manager for Invenergy, said in the news release. “I myself went to Wonder World as a child and now send my own children there. It takes a village, and I wouldn’t be able to do the work I do without having the option to use center-based care that is available every day of the week. Wonder World provides an important service for local families, and we’re proud to help amplify community support through this matching campaign.”

Invenergy said donations made between Aug. 15 and Dec. 31 will qualify for the matching program. Donations can be made online at wonderworldpreschool.org/seedsofwonder or mailed directly to Wonder World. 

“Wonder World Preschool plays an important role in helping local children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning,” said Kyla Buldhaupt, president of Wonder World’s board of directors. “We’re incredibly grateful for Invenergy’s support and this matching challenge. Every contribution made during the campaign will go even further to help us invest in the future of our preschool and the children we serve.”