#early education

New public preschools in Haʻikū and Kīhei mark firsts for respective Maui communities

Some of Maui’s youngest learners welcomed special visitors this week as Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke visited new public pre-kindergarten classrooms at Haʻikū Elementary and Kīhei Elementary. Luke, who leads the state’s Ready Keiki initiative to expand access to preschool statewide, was joined by Sen. Lynn DeCoite and Rep. Terez Amato.

Applications open for free Public Pre-K program in Hawaiʻi

The Executive Office on Early Learning has opened applications for its free Public Pre-K Program for the 2025-26 school year. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to submit applications for qualifying 3- and 4-year-old children in a new, user-friendly online portal.

Hirono secures over $6.6M to improve early childhood services in Hawaiʻi

Senator Mazie K. Hirono secures over $6.6 million in federal funding for the University of Hawaiʻi to enhance child care programs and services statewide.

State Public Charter School Commission accepting applications for Pre-K-only charter schools

The Hawaiʻi State Public Charter School Commission is accepting applications for Pre-K-only charter schools from organizations that have an established early learning program.

Kamehameha Schools Offering Tuition Assistance for Keiki Scholars

Kamehameha Schools is offering tuition assistance for preschool aged children through its Pauahi Keiki Scholars program.

Governor Makes “Hard Push” for Early Education

The ambitions for Early Childhood Education reform comes after word that the state was not selected as a recipient of the national “Race to the Top – Early Learning Challenge” grant competition.