This grant funded a Preschool Literacy Specialist and computers equipped with Mobile Waterford literacy software, books and learning materials to outfit the Early Childhood Literacy Lab. The lab is a key component of the Carpinteria Unified School District's research-based early childhood program to ensure that the most vulnerable children in Carpinteria are provided early literacy and language development so they will be ready for kindergarten and achieve continued success in school. Assessment before kindergarten identifies at-risk students who can then be provided with interventions before their lack of readiness impedes their educational success. Studies show that children who are behind grade level at the end of first grade will continue to fall further behind and are at risk of becoming dropouts.