Keiki Steps to Kindergarten on Maui and Molokai

Hawaii’s newest school children — kindergartners — will be starting school for their first time next month.  Since these kids aren’t going ‘back to school,’ they may not know what to expect — or what’s expected of them — when they get there. 

Image courtesy: Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture

The Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture (INPEACE) is encouraging families to register now for Keiki Steps to Kindergarten, a FREE kindergarten transition program offered in local elementary schools statewide — including 5 schools on Maui and Moloka’i — in June and July.

The Maui program is being offered at Hana Elementary School from July 7-20 between 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.  On Molokai, the program is being offered at Kaunakakai Elementary School July 7-20 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; at Kilohana Elementary School from 6/24 to 7/15 from 8-11 a.m.; at Kualapu’u Elementary School from July 12-23 between 7:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.; and at Maunaloa Elementary School from July 1-22 between 8 and 11 a.m. 

Children without any formal early learning experience are given the highest priority for placement in the program.

Through Keiki Steps to Kindergarten, children and parents participate in activities to learn skills that are important for school success.  While children learn to follow directions and socialize with other children, parents learn developmentally and culturally-related activities the family can enjoy at home to support their child’s learning. 

INPEACE is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Native Hawaiians through community partnerships that provide educational opportunities and promote self-sufficiency. INPEACE’s three focus areas are: early childhood education, professional development and cultural land stewardship.

For more information, call (808) 693-7222 or email: [email protected].