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Good Beginnings - Early Childhood Issues

"If we can all agree that each child growing up in Hawaii is a worthwhile investment in Hawaii's future, then expenditures and policy must be basic and consistent for every child no matter what the economic condition of the state, even if it means greater sacrifice by adults." - Hawaii State Representative Dennis Arakaki

"Research on brain development demonstrates the importance of the early years in a child's development. Policymakers must invest more resources in the early years of life so that Hawaii's children truly have a good beginning. Not only is the quality of life of young children greatly enhanced, the cost saving to taxpayers and society is significant. We must focus on the children." - Hawaii State Senator Suzanne Chun Oakland

Approximately 79,000 children under the age of 5 live in Hawaii. Of this population,

  • Nearly 11,850 or 15% live in poverty.
  • Almost 55 percent of kindergarteners lack pre-school experience.
  • Around 18 percent of our children are not immunized by age 2.
  • This past year, 12.9 out of every 1000 young children were abused or neglected.
Source: Hawaii Kids Count, University of Hawaii Center on the Family

WE CAN, AND MUST, DO MORE FOR OUR CHILDREN

Good Beginnings works closely with communities, early childhood teachers and providers, business leaders, policymakers and advocacy groups to ensure that all children, ages prenatal to 5, are safe, healthy and ready to succeed. We convene both local and national experts to help shape Hawaii's early childhood policies. Our advocacy with the legislature, state departments, and the Governor's office is informed by lessons learned from our grassroots work, as well as the most current research and data. The early childhood field has made significant strides since Good Beginnings' many years ago. Yet, we must make considerably more gains before all children are truly safe, healthy, and ready to succeed. Civic participation in the policymaking process is critical. Become active in your community, talk with your legislators, and vote!

Please take the time to keep reading about how you can help.

Good Beginnings Alliance is a member of Voices for America's Children.