In what may be the first use of a kindergarten readiness measure with preschool students in Los Angeles County, an LAUP study released April 19 showed that preschool students demonstrate significant increases in the skills they need to succeed in kindergarten.

LAUP staff and parent representatives recently traveled to Sacramento to meet with legislators and/or their staff, to highlight the positive impact of preschools and discourage attempts to divert funding earmarked for children's services.

LAUP has extended the deadline for nominations to recognize five outstanding educators who teach preschool in Los Angeles County, who will be honored for going above and beyond the call of duty to better prepare preschool students for elementary school and life.

The Los Angeles Headquarters Association (LAHQ) recently presented LAUP with its "Education Award," recognizing the organization's role in helping to better prepare children for school, life and the future workforce.

The state Assembly Education Committee has passed AB 2252 by Assemblyman Majority Leader Alberto Torrico, D-Fremont, which would ensure access to preschool programs for all children in California.

The resurrection of the Early Learning Challenge Fund — a proposal to improve the quality of early learning programs for children from birth to age 5 — was among the first topics addressed recently during a budget hearing with members of the U.S. Senate's appropriations subcommittee related to education.

It's the kids. We do it for the kids. And that is where your donation goes: to programs, classrooms and quality education that directly benefits the kids of Los Angeles County. Your investment in the children of our community pays a lifetime of positive returns. Your donation, no matter what size, helps another child move that much closer to obtaining a high-quality preschool education, which prepares them for a successful future thanks to the proven benefits of preschool education. On behalf of all the children of LAUP, we thank you for your donation and welcome you to the LAUP family.