Early Childhood Focus

Hawaii Cuts Result in 10% Fewer Families Taking Child Care Aid

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 17:01:24 PST

EXCERPT FROM: Honolulu Advertiser
By Mary Vorsino
The number of families receiving state subsidies to cover preschool tuition costs has dropped by about 10 percent after the state's decision to decrease the amount of help families can get, and providers say parents appear to instead be opting for cheaper, unlicensed care or leaving their children with relatives.

State Delays New Child Subsidy Rules

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:26:37 PST

EXCERPT FROM: The Honolulu Advertiser
By Suzanne Roig
The state will delay, by one month, a change in the child care subsidy scale to give providers and families time to work out solutions and apply for federal grants.

Delay Urged in Child Care Cuts

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:24:55 PST

EXCERPT FROM: The Honolulu Advertiser
By Mary Vorsino
Lawmakers are asking the state to postpone cuts in subsidies for preschool care while they look into possible options to help families.

Excellent Preschool Requires Quality Teachers

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:27:27 PST

Many of us remember those teachers who had the greatest impact on our desire to learn. Teachers with a genuine love of learning, along with the requisite skills and knowledge, approach teaching energetically and passionately, transforming classrooms from the daily drudge of "correct and direct" to places of joyful noise and meaningful learning.

Congresswoman Hirono Honored as National 'Pre-K Champion' of 2008

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:17:10 PST

Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) was honored Wednesday as a 2008 �Pre-K Champion� by Pre-K Now, a national preschool advocacy organization established in 2005. �In the past, we have only honored states with the Pre-K Champion Award; this is the first time that we have presented the Award to an individual member of congress.

Early Childhood Education Takes a Step Forward

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:03:13 PST

At the state Capitol, no one seriously disputes the value of early childhood education. The benefits of a good preschool on a child's academic performance have been amply demonstrated by scholars, researchers and educators.

Night Child Care Draws Calls, Interest

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:11:07 PST

A call for night child care providers has been answered - more or less - says the Maui coordinator of People Attentive to Children, or PATCH. Ailina Laborte put out the request for night-care-only providers two weeks ago in a story about her agency's efforts to help Maui Police Department civilian and uniformed personnel find child care. She said at the time that of the 90 licensed child-care providers on PATCH's referral list, only three or four did night care.

Hawaii Director Testifies on Early Childhood Education

Thu, 24 Jan 2008 14:11:52 PST

Pre-kindergarten programs sponsored by states need more federal help to meet a growing demand, education experts told a House panel Wednesday.