When LAUP began full operations in 2005, its mission was to maximize accessibility to quality preschool in communities across Los Angeles County, where the demand for affordable and quality preschools outweighed the supply.

Today, five years later, and following a $20 million investment, LAUP is has made great strides toward making a quality preschool education more attainable by families across Los Angeles County.

About 130 people attended the 2010 Teacher Graduation Recognition Event on July 17 to celebrate LAUP preschool teachers who recently attained their Associate, Bachelor's or Master's degrees from area colleges and universities.

LAUP on July 13 honored six outstanding educators as recipients of the prestigious "Los Angeles County Preschool Teacher of the Year Awards," for going above and beyond the call of duty to better prepare students for school and life.

Los Angeles Universal Preschool (LAUP) today announced the appointment of Celia C. Ayala as its new chief executive officer effective immediately. Ayala, who previously served as chief operating officer and Interim CEO of LAUP, replaces Gary Mangiofico.

Ayala will lead efforts for LAUP to increase accessibility to high-quality preschool education throughout Los Angeles County, to better prepare children for school and life and help close the achievement gap that is prevalent among many children entering kindergarten.