Executive Office on Early Learning

Message from the Director, 3/28/2014

Aloha,

We have passed the midway point of the legislative session and are thrilled that bills to increase access to prekindergarten opportunities for more four-year-olds are still alive and continuing to move through the legislative process.  Visit our “Legislation” page for details.

We appreciate the tremendous effort made thus far by those who have demonstrated their support by submitting testimony and rallying together.

Education Week was a success!  The rally at the State Capitol brought together community-based providers, families, and policymakers, who all remain heavily invested in early learning for Hawaii.  Special thanks goes to Uncle Wayne and the Howling Dog Band and the Hawaii Association for the Education of Young Children for rocking the crowd.

We also want to thank the Early Learning Advisory Board and action strategy co-conveners for coming together and sharing their important work.  View their presentation here.

To further advance our mission, the Office has awarded a contract to Hawaii nonprofit Family Hui to convene a series of discussions around focus areas that have been identified as building blocks for the establishment of a comprehensive and integrated early childhood system.  Family Hui will support collaborative partnerships throughout the state with families and professionals who work with children and their families.  Outreach to develop these partnerships will begin in March, with the intent of starting the first round of meetings in April.  Facilitated monthly meetings for both professionals and families are being planned within Hawaii’s 15 Department of Education complexes and districts. 

We value the commitment that you have shown and continue to show.  Your participation is absolutely essential, and the work we do together will nurture and empower our keiki for the long-term.  

Sincerely,

GG Weisenfeld, Ed.D.

Director