LAUP is pleased to announce six winners of the 2011 Los Angeles County Preschool Teacher of the Year Awards, given to educators who exemplify excellence and go above and beyond the call of duty to better prepare children for school and life.

The winners are Denisse Alonzo, a teacher at Alma Preschool Center in Los Angeles; Priscilla Avila, who teaches at Felton State Preschool in Lennox; Ginny Zywot, who teaches at Smart Start Preschool Child Care in Redondo Beach; Donna Kay Moore, who teaches at Covina Development Center in Covina; Michelle Renee Krehl, who teaches at The Nurtury Preschool in Sherman Oaks; and Astrid X. Feist, who teaches at Cerritos College Child Development Center in Norwalk.

"These winners demonstrate a strong commitment to a quality preschool education and a dedication to making a positive contribution to the children they serve," said Celia C. Ayala, Ph.D., CEO. "They are using creative instructional strategies, as well as contributing to the well-being of their students, the preschool and their community."

The winners of these awards will be recognized during an evening celebration to be held at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City on Tuesday, April 12. Actor, Director and Children's Advocate Rob Reiner will attend this event.

LAUP received 88 nominations that were screened based upon a balanced, thoughtful and impartial evaluation by an independent panel taking into consideration the candidate's record.