Feb. 5, 2015
Contributed by Shaundor Chillingworth
Two events, one celebration.
Hundreds of Waiʻanae Coast families recently converged at the newly opened Kamehameha Schools Community Learning Center at Māʻili to see an early learning partnership in action. The celebration marked both the grand opening of the center’s Early Learning Complex and KS’ second annual Preschool Readiness Day.
ʻOhana spent their morning touring the new complex which houses preschool and infant/toddler programs. They also had the chance to connect with dozens of early learning resource providers in their community.
Workshops were held for parents interested in early learning information and kōkua on applying for preschool financial aid. UH’s Children Healthy Living Program provided keiki screenings and assessments. Keiki were able to participate in make-and-take activities and enjoy healthy snacks, including pa‘i ‘ai courtesy of Keiki O Ka ‘Āina Family Learning Center.
Eight organizations operate preschool and infant/toddler programs at the Early Learning Complex. They include:
The complex also includes an Early Learning Kauhale that provides a one-stop-shop for Wai‘anae Coast families to access a variety of early learning resources.
The kauhale provides early learning assessments, family workshops, and early learning developmental programs to help families build upon strengths and address learning weaknesses in their children. Organizations operating programs in the kauhale inlcude:
For more information on the event or the facility, visit the Ka Pua Initiative website. See more photos from the celebration in the I Mua Newsroom photo gallery and on the Community Learning Center at Mā‘ili Facebook page.
Photos by KS Photographer Michael Young.