New Pomona district preschool is opened

Representatives of the Pomona Unified School District last week joined city officials, parents and community representatives to celebrate the opening of a preschool that serves the Phillips Ranch community.

The preschool, located at Ranch Hills Elementary School, enables 48 4-year-olds to receive a free early childhood education through funding from Los Angeles Universal Preschool. The non-profit organization funds 15 preschools within PUSD, with an enrollment of nearly 500 children.

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 LAUP Chief Executive Officer Gary 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."