(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Los Angeles Universal Preschool (LAUP) will launch seven free early education workshops during the Week of the Young Child.

LAUP, a nonprofit dedicated to the advancement of quality early learning and the development of the whole child, is providing workshops free to parents and educators throughout Los Angeles County. The workshops cover a variety of topics that are designed to help the parents and educators of children 0 to 5 years old. Whether you are a parent of young children, or an early learning educator or early education provider, these workshops will help you improve the social, mental, and overall development of the young children in your life. Topics include what to look for in a quality preschool and how to incorporate STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) education in the classroom and at home.

“At LAUP we have over 12 years of leadership expertise in coaching and program quality, and we are thrilled to share our model with the public,” said Celia C. Ayala, LAUP’s CEO. “I look forward to seeing how these workshops will empower early learning facility owners, teachers, and parents to do their part in giving children their best start in life.”

The LAUP Free Workshop Series Presents:

• Powered by STEAM: Various Ways to Incorporate STEAM Activities in Daily Life
For Parents & Caregivers, For Early Childhood Educators, Administrators & Directors
When: April 21, 2016; 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: Lake Avenue Church, 393 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101

• Spotting the Quality: Learn What to Ask and Look for in a Quality Preschool
For Parents & Caregivers
When: April 23, 2016; 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: The Annex at Pico Branch Library, 2201 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405

• Clear Pathways: Navigating the Child Development Permit Matrix
For Early Childhood Educators, Administrators & Directors
When: April 28, 2016; 9:00 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Where: First Congregational Church of Long Beach, 241 Cedar Ave., Long Beach, CA 90802

• A Touch of CLASS™: Best Practices for Directors
For Early Childhood Directors
When: April 28, 2016; 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: Antelope Valley Partners for Health, 44226 10th St. West, Lancaster, CA 93534

• Spotting the Quality (SPANISH!) Learn What to Ask and Look for in a Quality Preschool
For Parents & Caregivers
When: April 30; 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Where: Pomona USD Civic Center, 1460 E. Holt Blvd., Suite 4, Pomona, CA 91767

• Who’s the Boss? Guidance and Discipline to Support Social and Emotional Competencies in Young Children
For Parents & Caregivers, For Early Childhood Educators, Administrators & Directors
When: May 7, 2016; 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Where: Lynwood High School Performing Arts Center, 4050 East Imperial Hwy., Lynwood, CA 90262

• Mind Over Matter: Strategies to Support the Overall Well-being of Children
For Parents & Caregivers, For Early Childhood Educators, Administrators & Directors
When: May 7, 2016; 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: Sepulveda Rec Center, 8825 Kester Ave., Panorama City, CA 91402

For more information on each workshop, please visit laup.net or contact Leslie Andrews to reserve your spot: (213) 416 – 1892 or [email protected].

About LAUP

LAUP is a 12-year-old nonprofit organization whose mission is to support the development of the whole child, grow a qualified and diverse workforce, and strengthen family engagement. The organization creates and sustains strategic partnerships and advocates for policies that promote access and program excellence. Since 2005, LAUP has prepared more than 115,000 children for kindergarten and beyond by funding, rating and raising the level of quality preschool programs throughout Los Angeles County. laup.net.