Thousands of children in Los Angeles County will be able to receive a quality early childhood education thanks to future funding of the Power of Preschool (PoP) program approved by First 5 California. “They have agreed to extend our funding for another year, which amounts to about $6.5 million for the 2010-11 fiscal year,” said Dr. Gary Mangiofico, CEO of LAUP. “This is truly a milestone for LAUP and the children of Los Angeles County, who will continue to benefit from a quality preschool education.”

The statewide PoP program aims to enhance the quality of preschool education in California. It targets preschools in school districts that have a lower academic performance, and aims to better prepared children for school through quality early childhood education.

LAUP currently funds about 260 PoP preschool providers in L.A. County, with an estimated enrollment of more than 7,000 children.

This funding approval followed Dr. Mangiofico’s testimony on January 27 before the First 5 California Commission. Commissioners later approved the continuance of PoP bridge funding for one more year to finance LAUP PoP preschool services.

“LAUP wishes to thank First 5 California for its vision of maintaining evidence-based practices that result in positive student outcomes,” said Celia C. Ayala, Ph.D., COO of LAUP. “We also wish to thank the commissioners for ensuring there will be no interruption of PoP preschool services for the children and families in nine counties across California, including L.A. County.”