Imua responds to the recently PASSED H.B. 1700 Legislation in this week’s Sandbox Talk interview.

“H.B. 1700 Relating to the State Budget – PASSED
The state budget passed by the Legislature includes $3,000,000 for prekindergarten programs in fiscal year 2015.

These funds will provide for public preschools on DOE elementary school campuses this coming 2014-2015 school year. For fiscal year 2015, there is a total of $9,000,000 in new monies for early learning ($6,000,000 was appropriated last session for FY15 for DHS’ Preschool Open Doors program). With this funding, we can reach approximately 1,400 four-year-olds. there is a total of $9,000,000 in new monies for early learning ($6,000,000 was appropriated last session for FY15 for DHS’ Preschool Open Doors program). With this funding, we can reach approximately 1,400 four-year-olds.”- EOEL

1. We have made huge strides in State legislation recently regarding Kindergarten Mandates, How does H.B. 1700 further this movement?

Unfortunately, we find ourselves in hard economic times and in the State of Hawaii and we have seen subsidies for daycare and preschool shrink for parents.  Thus the Kindergarten entry age has changed and late born 4 year olds are now left with no place to go.  With Kindergarten now being mandatory in Hawaii (S.B. 2768 Relating to Kindergarten – PASSED) the importance of early childhood education is being recognized and H.B. 1700 bill will help to provide an option to families who have children born after the Kindergarten cut off date.

2. How will Preschool specific funding effect our keiki (typically developing and special needs?)

Research has shown that preschool education is a sound investment—academically, socially, and economically. Preschool has been shown to have positive effects on future school performance, and all children, regardless of income or need should have access to high-quality preschool programs.  Having an opportunity such as this, will help to provide children with the opportunity to access their education and be better prepared for school-aged years.

 3. What legislation should our community keep our eyes on in future regarding Early Childhood Education? (if you can’t thing of any, I’ll do research on EOEL)

2014 General Election: Constitution Amendment and voting Yes for Hawaii’s Keiki to support Early Learning in Hawaii. For more information on Early Childhood legislation click here.