The Lawrence Schools Foundation recently gave $100,000 to East Heights Early Childhood and Family Center for a readiness program that targets at-risk 4-year-olds in the Lawrence community.

“The state currently doesn’t include pre-K education in its general budget for public schools,” said Susan Esau, the foundation’s executive director.

The foundation has supported the readiness program since its conception in 1996, giving more than $1 million to the program.

The foundation supports the program with individual donations and private foundations, including the Ethel and Raymond Rice Foundation.

The East Heights Early Childhood and Family Center provides a full day of school-based curriculum and activities at no cost to families who qualify.