NEW PUBLIC PRESCHOOLS OPEN FOR WINDWARD OʻAHU KEIKI

Benjamin Parker Elementary School Opens First EOEL Public Pre-K in Kāneʻohe

Link to Ben Parker Pre-K Photos

Link to Ben Parker Pre-K Video B-Roll

HONOLULU - In a milestone for early education in Windward Oʻahu, Benjamin Parker Elementary School has opened two new public preschool classrooms-the first of their kind in Kāneʻohe. As part of the Ready Keiki initiative to ensure universal access to preschool, the new public pre-K classrooms represent an important step in increasing access to early education for the Kāneʻohe community.

Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke visited one of the two classrooms on Monday, joined by Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL) Director Yuuko Arikawa-Cross and area legislators: Representative Lisa Kitagawa, Representative Scot Z. Matayoshi, and Senator Jarrett Keohokalole.

The two classrooms, when filled, will serve up to 40 keiki, with each classroom accommodating 20 students. Priority enrollment was given to keiki experiencing specific learning, language, and family situations. Open enrollment for the remaining seats begins on October 1, and families living or working in Windward Oʻahu are encouraged to apply for their keiki.

"The opening of these two preschool classrooms at Benjamin Parker is not only a huge step for our Windward Oʻahu community but a testament to the importance of expanding early education across the state," said Lt. Gov. Luke. "Whether here in Kāneʻohe, Hilo, or Wailuku, keiki across Hawaiʻi, no matter where they live, should have access to high-quality early education."

The community has provided input on the need for increased child care and preschool options for the Windward side, supported by population data on where 3- and 4-year-olds are located.

"We've listened to the community and know that early learning is key to success in school and life. These new classrooms are a direct response to that need, and we couldn't be more thrilled to see them open in Kāneʻohe," said Yuuko Arikawa-Cross, EOEL Director. "We are grateful to our partners for making this a reality for our keiki."

Principal Patricia Macadangdang of Benjamin Parker Elementary highlighted the positive impact these preschool classrooms will have on both students and families. "Pre-K has already made a big difference here at Ben Parker. Our keiki will be coming to kindergarten better prepared, and their families are excited to have this opportunity so close to their homes or work," she said.

Beginning October 1, families and caregivers can apply for open enrollment to EOEL's Public Prekindergarten Program using the online portal at earlylearning.ehawaii.gov.

All families, regardless of priority group, are encouraged to apply. For more information, please contact EOEL at (808) 784-5350.

To view all child care centers and public and private preschools in Windward Oʻahu, visit readykeiki.org/map.

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