What's Being Discussed

Budget and legislation: The board will review proposed changes to the Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL) budget, including funding for a Head Start Collaboration Office position and a proposal to extend a tax credit that helps working families pay for child care.
Program updates: Staff will share updates on early childhood educator stipend payments, public pre-kindergarten expansion activities, construction at the Linapuni community site, and upcoming professional development events for early educators.
Community highlights: The board will hear about recent events and programs across the islands, including family wellness fairs, cultural learning activities, and a Molokaʻi Halloween community event.
State planning: Updates will be shared on Hawaiʻi's Early Childhood State Plan, including professional standards for early educators and a federal Preschool Development Grant.
Director evaluation: The board will begin discussing criteria for evaluating the EOEL Director in 2027.
Mixed delivery system policy: A draft policy statement on how early learning programs are delivered across different types of providers will be shared for review.

Decisions Expected

Vote: Approval of the October 2026 meeting minutes.
Vote: Whether to extend the child and dependent care tax credit sunset date.
Deferred to December: Vote on Head Start Collaboration Office funding and the EOEL Director evaluation criteria.

Who Should Pay Attention

Parents and families of young children, especially those using child care or preschool programs
Early childhood educators and preschool providers statewide
Community members interested in public pre-kindergarten expansion
Residents concerned about child care costs and working family tax credits