Kamehameha’s early childhood program

July 9, 2008

Contributed by Thomas Yoshida

A child's first three years are a vital time when they begin the development of emotional stability, physical health, cognitive skills, problem-solving skills and social competence - the basic foundation to their learning abilities.

Kamehameha's "Hi'ilani" program is intended to address these facts. The program name means "to care for or nurture," and is geared toward enhancing the learning experience for both baby and parents as a whole.

Hi'ilani is an early childhood family education program that serves children prenatal to 36 months and their families. Hi'ilani offers small group classes that focus on tools and techniques that promote preschool readiness through positive parent-child interactions.

Parents can also meet individually with program staff for information and resources that help nurture and stimulate their child's development.

"A key element to the success of Hi'ilani is its mission to promote preschool readiness and intergenerational change," Lock said. "Hi'ilani's intentional focus on quality interactions between the child, ohana and the community are the key to a family's success in the program.

"Ultimately, the relationship a child has with his or her makua (parents), kupuna (elders), 'āina (land) and others around them will determine their journey in life. We're trying to help provide them the best start possible."

Kamehameha began designing the Hi'ilani program in January of 2005 and the program opened its doors to communities between 2005 and 2006. Currently, Hi'ilani serves four targeted areas with high populations of Hawaiians - Waimānalo and Nānākuli on O'ahu, Hilo on Hawai'i island and Līhu'e, Kaua'i.

The program's long-term goal is to serve 120 children per year at each of the four sites.

Classes are free, with class size varying from between four to eight children with their parents or caregivers. Classes are ongoing throughout the year, and families may enroll at anytime.

Hi'ilani offers eight classes that begin with the prenatal class to provide families with a general understanding of fetal development and prenatal behaviors.

The "Baby Massage" class for newborns to six months focuses on family interaction with their young babies through nurturing touch. For children six to nine months, the "Baby Milestones" class provides families with a general understanding of development such as crawling and talking.

"Floor Time" for keiki nine to 12 months helps families recognize their child's temperament, how that temperament impacts the family and ways to play at the child's level to minimize power struggles.

The "Child Guidance" class for keiki 12 to 24 months focuses on parent and child attunement to help families recognize their child's developmental need to be independent while providing strategies for positive guidance as opposed to verbal or physical punishment.

When children reach 16 to 24 months they can enroll in the "Let's Get Together-Socialization" series. These classes help toddlers learn beginning friendship skills while working with families to create appropriate expectations around group play.

"Once children reach 24 to 36 months the journey to preschool readiness begins - and Hi'ilani can provide families with the tools for a smooth transition," Lock said.

"Through the 'Off to Preschool - Transition to Preschool' series, children are exposed to common preschool experiences to reinforce their comfort and confidence in a classroom situation.

"In addition, the series also works one-on-one with families to answer common questions and concerns related to entering community preschools or childcare centers."

Rounding out the lineup of classes is the "Partners in Parenting Education" series that promotes positive relationships with strong emotional ties between primary caregivers and the infant/toddlers - enhancing social and emotional competence in the child.

"I'm learning how to be a better parent," said Jade Emery, mother of 1-year-old daughter Hiiaka. "The skills I'm learning from the Hi'ilani program are helping me connect with her in a positive way."

Emery and Hiiaka are from Hanapēpē and attend Hi'ilani's Child Guidance class held in Līhu'e. "Through this class, as well as the parent child attunement series, I've learned discipline techniques like redirection that allow me to correct Hiiaka in a constructive way," Emery said. "I don't like always having to say stop, or no."

"Classes like those in the Hi'ilani program will make such a powerful impact on a family," explained Moani Robeck, parent educator for Kauai's Hi'ilani program. "Every child has the potential to do great things - it's up to parents and caregivers to help them realize that potential."

For more information, please call Hi'ilani-Waimānalo at 426-1450, Hi'ilani-Nānākuli at 534-8261, Hi'ilani-Kaua'i at 245-3897 or Hi'ilani-East Hawai'i at 969-3883.