News Archive for 2010
Aug 9, 2010 (The Star-Advertiser, Honolulu, HI)
Time short for state's junior kindergartens
A new law will end junior kindergarten in public schools in 2013 but could be the catalyst for the creation of a state-funded universal preschool program.
Jul 16, 2010 (Pacific Business News)
State delays making cuts to program for at-risk children
Health Department first must hold hearings on administrative rules
Planned cuts to a program that helps special-needs children assimilate into early childhood education have been delayed because a state department failed to draft the necessary administrative rules to legally make the changes. The cuts to the state Department of Health's early intervention program, also known as the Part C program, were scheduled to take effect July 1.
Jun 2, 2010 (Honolulu Advertiser)
Hawaii cuts result in 10% fewer families taking preschool aid
The number of families receiving state subsidies to cover preschool tuition costs has dropped by about 10 percent after the state's decision to decrease the amount of help families can get, and providers say parents appear to instead be opting for cheaper, unlicensed care or leaving their children with relatives.
May 17, 2010 (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
States' budget problems cut into help for children
All over the country, the financial crisis has forced states to make cuts to close what the National Conference of State Legislatures found was an overall budget gap of $174.1 billion this fiscal year and has lawmakers looking to cut another $89 billion next year. That means slashing services to children, the one population they have long protected.
Mar 1, 2010 (Honolulu Advertiser)
Hawaii might halt junior kindergarten
Plan to move up kindergarten eligibility date would leave many kids waiting a year to start school
Lawmakers are considering a measure that would eliminate junior kindergarten in Hawai'i public schools and move up the date children are eligible to enter kindergarten, changes that would require thousands of late-born 5-year-olds to wait an additional year before they can start school. Despite junior-K's problems, educators, parents and early-education advocates say the program is helpful and that the proposed changes will create a burden for parents at a time when they can least afford it.
Jan 1, 2010 (Hawaii Business)
Early Education
Investing in families today pays off now and tomorrow
Some of Hawaii's business leaders ... believe high-quality and convenient childcare makes for more productive workers now. Plus, they see a future benefit: Children who spend time in good day-care will be better workers tomorrow.