Early Childhood Issues
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Good Beginnings - Public Agenda for Hawaii's Keiki

A core function of Good Beginnings is to ensure that Hawaii's public policies meet the needs of our keiki and their families. We advocate for policies that work for young children, strive to make sure these policies are implemented and accountability is built into them. For more information on Good Beginnings work to improve public policies that effect young children, visit our page on Policy Initiatives.

The Foundation has been laid...
Hawaii's Early Childhood Legislative Accomplishments

Pre-Plus: Coordinated by the Department of Human Services, 'Pre-Plus' represents the State's two year, $5 million commitment to build over twenty preschool facilities in partnership with the private sector.

Preschool Open Doors: State-funded childcare subsidies for low-income families serve approximately 1000 eligible children.

School Readiness: 2002 State Legislature adopted a definition of school readiness that acknowledges the shared responsibility between families, schools, and communities in preparing Hawaii's young children for school.

Healthy Start: 2001 State Legislature's expansion of an innovative approach to help families keep their young children safe.

Champions for Children: A multi-organizational education and advocacy effort. During each legislative session Champions for Children provides legislators with critical information about Hawaii's children and families. Champions for Children also engages in letter writing campaigns, testifying and testimonials. Interdepartmental Council: Good Beginning's public partner is the Interdepartmental Council, a state cross-agency collaboration and decision-making body of early childhood education and care. The IDC members are cabinet-level state officials from the governmental departments that oversee children's issues. This group was officially formed with Good Beginnings in Act 77 to focus on state-level efforts to improve outcomes for young children.

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