In Face of Federal Cutbacks, MPC Delivers Local Action: More Early-Childhood Support for Families in Need at Renovated Preschool
Monterey Peninsula College (MPC) will host a press conference to celebrate the grand reopening of Little Lobos Academy, its on-campus preschool, following a $4.8 million renovation. With enrollment now open for children ages 2 to 5, the revamped facility offers expanded access to high-priority families—those experiencing housing insecurity, with children who have developmental delays, or who qualify based on income.
While the preschool maintains its 96-child capacity, a greater share of those seats are now prioritized for children who face the greatest barriers to high-quality early learning. At a time when federal support for early childhood programs is diminishing, MPC is investing locally to ensure families in need can access nurturing, educational spaces for their children.
The newly renamed Little Lobos Academy is more than a preschool—it’s a dual-purpose facility:
- A model early learning environment rooted in nature-based, play-based learning; and
- A lab school that helps train the next generation of educators from MPC.
Other highlights include:
- 40% salary increases for preschool teachers, reinforcing MPC’s commitment to high-quality early childhood education
- New leadership under Dr. Aprielle Anderson-Dickert, reflecting a renewed vision for service and equity in early learning
This transformation represents a major step forward in MPC’s broader mission to serve learners of all ages and support working families across the region.
WHO:
- Ms. Yuri C. Anderson, Chair, MPC Governing Board of Trustees
- Dr. Marshall T. Fulbright III, MPC Superintendent/President
- Dr. Aprielle Anderson, Director, Little Lobos Academy
WHEN:
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM
WHERE:
MPC Library and Technology Center, Sam Karas Room, 980 Fremont Street, Monterey, CA 93940
VISUALS:
Interviews and b-roll available upon request. (Note: The interior of the remodeled preschool is not yet open for public viewing.)
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kristin Darken, Director of Marketing & Communications (831) 521-4583
About Monterey Peninsula College:
Monterey Peninsula College, part of California’s public community college system,
is an open-access institution committed to fostering student learning and success
by providing excellence in instructional programs, facilities, and services to support
the goals of students pursuing transfer, career, basic skills, and lifelong learning
opportunities. As a comprehensive community college, MPC responds to the educational
and cultural needs of its diverse community and is distinguished for its outstanding
academic programs and strong commitment to student success. To learn more about Monterey
Peninsula College, please visit www.mpc.edu and follow us on Facebook, Instagram , and LinkedIn.
To learn more about the Little Lobos Academy, please visit the Little Lobos Academy page.