Representatives of the Pomona Unified School District (PUSD) on March 24 joined city officials, parents and community representatives to celebrate the opening of a preschool that serves the Phillips Ranch community to better prepare children for kindergarten and beyond.

The preschool, located at Ranch Hills Elementary School, enables nearly 50 4-year-olds to receive a quality early childhood education at no cost to their families thanks to LAUP funding. LAUP currently funds 15 preschools within PUSD, with an enrollment of nearly 500 children.

During the ceremony, PUSD Superintendent Richard Martinez joined Pomona Mayor Elliott Rothman, LAUP Chief Executive Officer Dr. Gary Mangiofico and school board members in a ribbon-cutting ceremony that was also attended by Ranch Hills Elementary’s student body.

“This preschool is nothing short but amazing,” said Mayor Rothman, who cut the ribbon to a loud roar of approval from the children in the audience. “Early education is the best way to ensure that children can have a successful future. It’s never too early to start a child’s education.”

The preschool was made possible thanks to an LAUP investment of $376,055 in the classroom, playground as well as educational materials and supplies. LAUP will also be spending $205,000 per year on operational costs.

“The parents in this community wanted an LAUP preschool program for their children, and we made it happen in collaboration with the school district,” said Dr. Mangiofico. “Our goal is to one day make quality preschools universally accessible to every 4-year-old in L.A. County. So far, since becoming operational in 2005, LAUP has touched the lives of more than 40,000 children in L.A. County, including many in the Pomona community.”

Sonia Garcia, a parent whose child, Isabella, attends Ranch Hills LAUP preschool, said her daughter has benefited greatly from the quality early education she has been receiving. “She’s going to be much better prepared for kindergarten, both academically and socially,” said Garcia, of Phillips Ranch.

Garcia urged elected officials to invest in early education, noting: “We have to think of our children first.”

Ranch Hills Elementary Principal Dr. Cynthia Quan said children who attend preschool are often better prepared to learn and excel in kindergarten. “Kindergarten teachers tell us that children who have gone through preschool tend to stand out,” she explained. “Our parents tell us that they notice a huge difference. They are astonished at what their kids have learned. It is because what they learn in preschool.”