Keiki First

Keiki First Steps (Act 14, Special Session 2008) is a Critical Step Forward for Our State and Our Children.

Key points about what the new legislation means

What SB2878 CD1 can mean for Hawai`i:

Comprehensive

• This Act creates the Early Learning Council (ELC), responsible for developing and administering the new state early learning program, Keiki First Steps.


• The long-range goal is to establish a comprehensive, quality early learning system for Hawai`i’s children, from birth to the time they enter kindergarten, offering quality early learning opportunities to all of Hawai`i’s keiki.

Public & Private Synergy

• The ELC will have 13 members from the public and private sectors and the administrative and fiscal authority to affect the real change that needs to happen to develop a statewide system.

Funding

• The strong network of local and national philanthropy that already invests heavily to support early childhood efforts in Hawai`i stands poised and committed to help the ELC move forward, especially important given the near term budget projections for the state.


• Hawai`i may access proposed new federal funding with the ELC and an established, cohesive system for young children.

Helping our Keiki

• The ELC should build upon the framework of the Act 259 Early Learning Educational Task Force’s final report which recommends services for young children in center-based, family childcare, family child interaction learning, and home-based instruction programs.


• Phased implementation would begin services with at-risk children.

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ELC FAQs and answers written from GBA’s perspective in consultation with the Department of Education:

1. Who does the ELC work for?

The ELC will be an independent operating body attached administratively to the Department of Education (DOE). The ELC will operate similar to the Hawaii State Teachers’ Standards Board which is also independent and attached administratively only to the DOE. The ELC does not report to the Superintendent. Note: the ELC will appoint an executive director whose duties shall be set by the council.

2. What positions on the ELC are nominated by the Governor, and how are nominations made?

There are four ELC positions that are filled by nominations by the Governor:

a. Center-based provider representative.
b. Family childcare provider representative.
c. Family Child Interaction Learning provider representative.
d. Philanthropic representative.

Nominations forms can be downloaded at: http://hawaii.gov/gov/team/boardscommissions A mailing address can also found on this website.

3. Can other organizations not named in the Act serve as members of the ELC?

Organizations not named in the Act can serve on subcommittees established by the ELC but not as voting members of the ELC itself.

4. Will the ELC fund direct services and/or professional development over the course of this fiscal year (FY2008-2009)?

No, as no money was appropriated for direct services and professional development in Act 14, Special Session 2008. There is only funding for the ELC to convene and also hire an Executive Director and staff.

5. What happens to Act 77 of 1997, which created the Interdepartmental Council (IDC) and the Good Beginnings Alliance now that Act 14, Special Session 2008 is law?

Act 77 currently has a termination date of June 30, 2010. Technically at that time, the IDC will no longer exist. Regarding Good Beginnings Alliance, the nonprofit organization will continue to exist.

6. Will the ELC fund direct services and professional development in FY2009-2010 (starting July 1, 2009)?

We don’t know at this time. The ELC must first convene and determine its initial priorities. Once the ELC makes this determination, it must then convince the Legislature to fund its proposals during the next legislative session that starts in January 2009.

7. How can I best support the ELC?

By attending ELC meetings and volunteering to serve on ELC subcommittees.

8. Will Act 14, Special Session 2008 result in preschools becoming part of our public schools?

No, Act 14 states that early education services will be built upon current private programs. Additionally, the DOE is fully committed to a public–private partnership in providing quality early childhood education to all of Hawai`i’s keiki.

9. Is the ELC really a step forward for quality early childhood education in Hawai`i?

Yes, as most of the 38 states that have publicly-funded early childhood education program also have some type of Early Learning Council as its governance structure.

10. How can communities make their needs known to the ELC?

Communities should communicate their needs through ELC members or through participation on one of the ELC’s subcommittees.

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US Should Embrace Pre-Schooling - Reuters Article 8/28/08

Keiki First Steps Takes Stepping-stone Approach to Pre-K - Pre-K Now Article 07/21/08

Early Learning Bill is Fiscally Responsible - Bob Peters Letter to Editor, Advertiser 07/07/08

Isles' Early Education Needs Improvement - Suzanne Yamada Letter to Editor, Advertiser 07/05/08

Early Education Effort Merits Public Support - Kathy Matayoshi Letter to Editor, Advertiser 07/02/08

Early Education Bill a Step in the Right Direction - Kanoe Naone Letter to Editor, Advertiser 07/03/08

Vetoes Could Slow Progress Toward Key Isle Goals - Advertsier Editorial 06/29/08

Scientific research has proven that the development of a child’s brain in the first 5 years of life is critical in their ability to learn and succeed in future years.

40 other states have public- or public/private-funded preschool systems.

Dollars and Sense: A Review of Economic Analysis of Pre-K - Pre-K Now Research Series, May 2007

Early Childhood Education: A Wise Investment - Legal Momentum's Family Initiative

Pre-K: A Smart Investment - Pre-K Now Presentation

Act 259 Final Report

Keiki First Executive Summary