Honolulu, HI — A collaboration of early childhood and education agencies, including ‘Aha Punana Leo, ALU LIKE, Be My Voice! Hawai‘i, INPEACE, Kamehameha Preschools, Keiki O Ka ‘Āina Family Learning Centers, Nā Kamalei – K.E.E.P., Partners in Development Foundation will be presenting a mock preschool demonstration, complete with learning centers, music and activities for more than 600 keiki, caregivers and families at the State Capitol Rotunda on March 20th.
Through this exercise, the parent participation and center-based preschools and advocacy organizations plan to join their voices to stand for the children of Hawai‘i and show their support for issues facing our state’s youngest citizens.
When: March 20, 2012, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Where: State Capitol Rotunda and Lawn
Who: Keiki, caregivers and families will be available for interviews
*NOTE TO MEDIA: Visual Opportunities from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. in the rotunda include program and preschool activities
Families will visit elected leaders following the preschool demonstration
WHY: ONLY 1 out of 5 kindergarten classes have the majority of their students entering school with essential reading and math skills. And, LESS THAN ½ of Hawai‘i’s public school kindergarten students attend preschool before starting school.
Early childhood advocates are concerned about these statistics and how a lack of quality, early learning experiences is affecting our children’s chances of school success. The morning demonstration will highlight the importance of all preschool settings, including parent participation preschools, also known as Family Child Interaction Learning (FCIL) programs, in strengthening families and communities, and preparing children under the age of five for school.
BACKGROUND: Early childhood programs prepare children for school success and support families by equipping parents and caregivers with the knowledge they need to ensure school readiness for their child. Parent participation programs believe that the family involvement process begins before a child is born, and it is critical to support the family in their role as the child’s first teacher.
For more information regarding this event or the organizations rallying at this event, please call Darcie Scharfenstein at (808) 688-3733 or e-mail darcies@inpeace.org.