Caring for our youngest keiki and their families – always a deeply rooted Waimea tradition - has become a major public policy priority in recent years locally and nationally. So, how are Waimea keiki and families doing, what challenges are they coping with, and what programs are in place – or needed - to ensure a strong foundation for the next generations?

These questions will be the focus of WCA's Thurs., April 4, 2024 Town Meeting from 5-6:30 p.m. at Tutu’s House. 

As always, all are welcome to WCA Town Meetings either in person or may watch virtually via WCA’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/WaimeaCommunityAssociation) or YouTube channel (www.WaimeaTown.org).  The meeting also will be recorded and available on Facebook and YouTube for later viewing. 

Also as always, questions are welcome – preferably in advance by emailing WaimeaCommunityAssociation@gmail.com. Questions may also be typed into the Facebook chat and will be addressed as time permits. 

So what’s to be said about Early Childhood? The research about infant well-being and a healthy start, including brain development, and also about young families says it all: early childhood programs, supports and services have both immediate and long-term benefits to not only keiki and their ‘ohana, but the entire community. Specifically, keiki who participate in early childhood education programs benefit in many ways, from becoming more prepared for kindergarten, better readers by the time they are in 3^rd grade, more likely to graduate from high school on time, and healthier, more resilient adults. 

Because of the importance of early childhood education, both Hawai’i County and the State of Hawai’i have initiatives intended to support ‘ohana and childcare programs. WCA’s April Town Meeting will highlight both county and state efforts, including updates on the county’s recently completed extensive early childhood community profile research (see link below) and plan, and the state’s “Ready Keiki” program.

Based on this recent data, Hawai’i County estimates just under 24% of the island’s total population under 5 have an opportunity to attend early childhood programs. One of the barriers is that many young parents or caregivers are unaware of the range of programs available for their keiki in their community. To address this, the heads of several quite diverse Waimea preschools will share information about their programs, including coming registration deadlines and requirements. 

“Quality early education opportunities can set a child on a positive trajectory to be successful in school and life,” says Angela Thomas of Waimea, whose Masters in early childhood learning and advocacy for maximizing early learning supports led to her appointment as the Hawai’i County Department of Research and Development’s Early Childhood Specialist.

“The Waimea community is fortunate to have a very diverse array of preschool opportunities available which a provide a wide range of options for families,” said Thomas. 

Participating preschools based in North Hawai’i which will be briefing meeting attendees will include Paula Yanagi representing Ka Hale O Na Keiki Preschool, Nancy Levenson representing Mālapōki’i, a culture-based early childhood education program in Waimea; and Bonnie Beckett representing Montessori Education Center of Hawai’i based in Waimea. Also presenting will be Waimea Elementary School Principal Tammie Picklesimer speaking about their new pre-K program which will begin its second year in fall 2024. 

Another barrier to early education is the cost of programs. The Hawai’i State Department of Human Services recently expanded the legislatively funded Preschool Open Doors program to increase income eligibility limits and include three-year-olds. While applications for Preschool Open Doors for the 2024-2025 school year closed on March 28, Chelsea Ching with the Hawai’i County Department of Research and Development will speak about the program which includes childcare subsidies.