We Learn Better Together
NOTE: Preschool Enrollment Period for the 2023-2024 school year is currently CLOSED. Thank you to those parents who have already applied – we are currently in the midst of our review process.
Imua Inclusion Preschool is a place where every child is taught on the level at which they can attain success, where they can progress at a rate unique to their needs. A program where every child’s social, emotional, physical, and educational needs are met each and every day in a whole-child approach.
With our staff of professionals, any child who needs additional therapy can receive services during their school day. Our inclusion preschool provides enhanced instruction for all students including the gifted, artistic, typically-developing, and developmentally-delayed child.
Imua Inclusion Preschool’s dream to open a second campus is now a reality! In partnership with the Department of Education and the Executive Office of Early Learning, our second location is opening at Princess Nahienaena Elementary in Lahaina, August of 2022. We hope to achieve our next dream in the near future – to add an inclusion preschool location with an enhanced curriculum that includes an outdoor natural learning environment. Keep your ears and eyes peeled for future news!
Meet Our Preschool Team
Lynette Constantino
Lynette has been working with children her whole life as the eldest child in a large family! She comes to us with over ten years’ experience as a behavioral therapist specializing in working with children on the Autism spectrum. Currently, she is pursuing her B.S in Early childhood Education through UH West Oahu. Her passion for early childhood education, specifically inclusion, is evident in her practice.
Taylor Smith
Taylor began her journey as an early childhood educator in 2014, when she took her first class in early child education and fell in love with the field. She eventually graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education through the University of Hawaii, West Oahu. Taylor’s biggest passion is the process of building relationships with each child and family. She also enjoys learning about each child and how to connect with them based on their individual personalities and preferences as well as taking them out in nature and giving them the freedom to play and explore in natural environments. She takes special joy in teaching children through play and allowing them the time and space to make discoveries and investigate their own interests. One of her favorite quotes is by Fred Rogers, “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”
Dr. Lori deCrinis – Director of Education. Lori began her career as a self-contained special education teacher within a very large school district. Over the years, she grew increasingly curious about how children actually qualify for special education and returned to school for her Master’s degree to gain certification as an Educational Diagnostician. After working as a “Specialized Assessor” for very young children, she began to dig deeper into the roots of treating problem behavior in order to better serve children and families. She earned certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in 2009, and worked as the lead Behavior Specialist for a medium-sized school district. During this tenure, she headed back to school to earn a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, knowing that this information would help round out her career skill set. Dr. Lori (as she is known) has worked within the realm of Applied Behavior Analysis on Maui for over 5 years in both the HI Department of Education and insurance-based autism services. She is thrilled to work at Imua Family Services beside so many talented and dedicated professionals.
Dr. Bobbie-Jo Moniz-Tadeo – Director of Clinical Services. Dr. Bobbie-Jo Moniz-Tadeo heads up Imua Family Services’ Clinical Services. Her extensive history in the field of early childhood education includes state-wide appointments to the Hawaii Early Intervention Coordinating Council, where she has served as Chair and Vice-Chair, and numerous recognitions, including County of Maui Women of Excellence (2015) and Professional of the Year (Special Parent Information Network, 2015). Dr. Moniz-Tadeo was born and raised in Upcountry Maui. Her Associates, Bachelor’s, and Master’s degrees were earned from the University of Hawaii, and her Doctorate from Argosy University. With her knowledge and expertise, Dr. Moniz Tadeo ensures that evidence-based and developmentally appropriate practices are implemented in Imua’s services in accordance with federal and state policy, all while individualizing services to meet the needs of the children. In addition to working directly with children and families, she has also devoted time teaching the next generation of early childhood educators as a college instructor in early childhood education and special education, both at the under-graduate and graduate levels.
Our Preschool
Inclusion means teaching all children together, regardless of ability level. Inclusive programs celebrate children’s similarities, as well as their different abilities and cultures. The Imua Inclusion Preschool serves both typical and non-typical children between the ages of 3 and 5 years old.
- Play-based curriculum to encourage development of communication and social skills
- Creative Play Space
- Community Field Trips
- Student to teacher ratio 7:1
Inclusive schools benefit ALL children because of:
- Respect for diversity creates a welcoming environment for all
- Differentiated instruction increases student engagement
- Inclusive practices make effective use of a school’s resources
- Behavioral supports help maintain a positive learning environment for everyone
In the classrooms, children with special needs take part in the general education curriculum based on their age and development and our team adapts the curriculum and the classroom so all children can learn as independently as possible. The Imua Preschool staff takes a team approach to a child’s learning journey and works closely with parents and families to create individualized care and education programs for each child.
Kahului Tuition: 12 months at $975.00 per month
Monday – Friday from 7:30am to 3:30pm
Kahului Aftercare: $100 per month or a daily rate of $10
Monday – Friday from 3:30pm to 4:30pm
Financial Aid:
Imua Preschool accepts multiple subsidies including: Preschool Open Doors & Child Care Connection, Quality Care for Hawaiian Keiki, and the Maui County Child Care Subsidy Program. Each subsidy program has different requirements. Families may qualify for multiple subsidies.
Application Process:
NOTE: Preschool Enrollment Period for the 2023-2024 school year is currently CLOSED. Thank you to those parents who have already applied – we are currently in the midst of our review process. We are still accepting applications for those interested in joining the waitlist for future school years. If you have questions, please contact us at (808) 244-7467 or preschool@imuafamily.org.
- Click here to download the Imua Inclusion Preschool Application.
- Click here to view the Imua Inclusion Preschool Selection Policy.
Parent Testimonial: “Inclusion Preschool has been a wonderful experience for our typically developing son. The incredibly attentive and caring staff has given him the confidence to thrive. He is happier and more independent for having been a part of Imua Inclusion Preschool.” – Erin Wade, Parent
Take a peek into a typical day at Imua Preschool via our weekly newsletter: March 17, 2023, February 24, 2023, February 17, 2023, February 3, 2023, January 27, 2023, January 20, 2023, January 13, 2023, January 6, 2023, January 2, 2023, December 9, 2022, December 2, 2022, November 25, 2022, November 18, 2022, November 4, 2022, October 21, 2022, October 14, 2022, September 23, 2022, September 16, 2022, September 9, 2022, August 26, 2022, August 18, 2022, August 12, 2022, July 15, 2022, July 8, 2022, July 1, 2022, June 24, 2022, June 17, 2022, June 9, 2022, May 27, 2022, May 20, 2022, May 14, 2022, April 29, 2022, April 22, 2022, April 15, 2022, April 8, 2022, April 1, 2022, March 25, 2022, March 11, 2022, March 4, 2022.
For more information please e-mail preschool@imuafamily.org or call 244-7467.
Imua Inclusion Preschool is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), demonstrating the preschool’s commitment to quality and continuous quality improvement. NAEYC-accredited programs commit to ensuring that their environment, policies, and practices are continually aligned with NAEYC’s early learning standards and recommended practices.
