Vallejo Center, a Head Start preschool site in Lincoln Heights that receives supplemental LAUP funding to educate children in the Lincoln Heights community, on Feb. 3 was renamed in honor of long-time California legislator Gilbert A. Cedillo.

 Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services, Inc., the agency that runs the educational center serving about 60 children, renamed it the Gilbert A. Cedillo Preschool Site in honor of the lawmaker who represents Lincoln Heights in the State Assembly as part of the 45^th District.

Celia C. Ayala, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer of LAUP, who attended the ceremony, said the renaming of the preschool was fitting of Cedillo's honorable servitude in the legislature and commitment to his constituents.

"Gil will never leave his role as an advocate to make a difference in this community," said Dr. Ayala, who attended Roosevelt High School along with the legislator who is serving his final term in the Assembly.

Cedillo said he was honored to have a preschool in his community renamed after him, because it provides boys and girls with options and opportunities to realize their dreams. "I'm now committed to these boys and girls that come to this preschool," he remarked.

Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Cedillo noted high-quality preschool education is a vital service worthy of public support and investment because of its significant impact on the future of children and society as a whole.

"We know it's the most important investment we can make," said Cedillo, noting preschool is an effective way of helping to erase the achievement gap among children entering elementary school.

"It's an investment that has a significant impact on children's families and their communities," he concluded.