HONOLULU (KHON2) — A once-empty classroom at Waialae Elementary now holds new hope for Hawaii families. And it’s all part of a statewide push to give more keiki access to preschool.
The new classroom was blessed on Monday, Aug. 4, one of three newly renovated spaces at the campus — it’s part of the “Ready Keiki” plan, initiated by Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke.
“They had about 100 kids on a wait list for just 20 seats. For the ‘Ready Keiki’ initiative, we want to ensure that all three or four-year-olds have access to preschool,” Lt. Gov. Luke said.
“What took before years is now taking months and standards that have been developed consistently across all these schools have resulted in similar classrooms right now, over 80-plus classrooms,” said Riki Fujitani, School Facilities Authority.
Principal Kawika Chun said the expansion of Waialae’s Charter Preschool Program means more children will get a strong start.
“This phase doubles our charter pre-k capacity from 20 to 40 scholars through the Ready Keiki initiative starting this fall,” Chun said.
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He added they will triple the capacity to 60 students by 2026 and plan to have a new dedicated special education pre-k classroom and expanded outdoor features like a sandbox and natural play areas.