What's Being Discussed

The Early Learning Board (ELB) is meeting to review updates on Hawaii's early childhood education system, covering prenatal care through kindergarten entry. Key topics include:

• Early childhood workforce support — including the Mary Tenny Castle Award, a career fair at Castle High School, a proposed tax deduction bill for early childhood educators (SEED Act), and a conference on Hawaiʻi Island
• Expanding preschool facilities — an update on the School Facilities Authority's approach to adding more pre-K classrooms
• Funding updates — budget requests related to family learning programs and scholarships
• Program quality — review of professional standards for early educators (E Mālama I Nā Keiki)
• Family support programs — community events such as baby showers, play days, and resource fairs across the state
• State planning — updates on the Hawaii Early Childhood State Plan, community feedback from families and providers, and a federal Preschool Development Grant
• Legislative report — a joint presentation by the Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL) and the Department of Human Services (DHS) on their report to the state legislature under Acts 46 and 210
• Mixed Delivery System Policy — a draft policy statement currently under subcommittee review; no board discussion yet

Decisions Expected

• Approve the September 2026 meeting minutes — a formal vote is planned
• All other items are for information and discussion only; no additional votes are scheduled

Who Should Pay Attention

• Parents and families with young children, especially those considering public pre-K
• Early childhood educators and childcare providers across Hawaii
• Community organizations working with families and young children
• Anyone interested in how state funding and policy shape early education in Hawaii