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This month’s newsletter highlights the final Living808 segments focused on the early childhood workforce shortage, provides updates on key legislation supporting keiki and families, and recognizes Family Support Awareness Month by emphasizing the importance of programs that strengthen families and promote early childhood development.
This month’s newsletter highlights a new partnership to expand employer access to child care and paid leave tax credits, previews the final episodes of the Living808 series, and shares updates on priority legislation aimed at strengthening early learning, family support, and child well-being across Hawai‘i.
As we near the end of 2025, Commit to Keiki reflects with gratitude on the many partners, providers, advocates, and elected officials who have stood together for Hawai‘i’s youngest keiki. This has been a year shaped by challenges. Families have felt the strain of rising costs, program closures, and shifts in federal funding. Early learning centers, mental health services, and family support programs continue to juggle increased need with limited resources. Yet through it all, Hawai‘i’s early childhood community has shown remarkable strength and heart.
As we enter this season of gratitude, Commit to Keiki gives thanks for the many partners, advocates, elected officials and our Commit to Keiki steering committee members who continue to prioritize the well-being of Hawai‘i’s youngest keiki and families. Every act of service, every policy advanced, and every moment of care shared in homes, classrooms, and programs strengthens the foundation of our state.
Behind every effort to support Hawai‘i’s keiki are champions leading the way. In this new series, we’re spotlighting one leader whose work is helping to strengthen the systems that care for our youngest keiki and their families. This month, we are honored to feature Nadia Holt. associate director, community impact at the Chamber of Commerce Hawai‘i, and a member of the Commit to Keiki Steering Committee.
Commit to Keiki is pleased to share our 2026 Policy Priorities, a roadmap for strengthening Hawai‘i’s early childhood system and ensuring that every keiki from birth to age five has the opportunity to grow up healthy, safe, and ready to succeed.
On August 19, Commit to Keiki welcomed Governor Josh Green, M.D., County representatives, Steering Committee members, and community partners for our annual partnership breakfast. These gatherings are held each year to strengthen relationships between state and county leaders, align priorities, and ensure Hawai‘i’s youngest keiki and their families remain at the center of policy and investment decisions.
Behind every effort to support Hawai‘i’s keiki are champions leading the way. In this new monthly series, we’re spotlighting one leader whose work is helping to strengthen the systems that care for our youngest keiki and their families. In this first edition, we are honored to feature Megan McCorriston, CEO of Seagull Schools and a member of the Commit to Keiki Steering Committee. Guided by the belief that access to education is a fundamental human right, Megan has dedicated her career to expanding opportunities for children. Her expertise in education policy and practice, along with her steady leadership through times of change, reflects the vital role that early learning providers play in building a strong foundation for Hawai‘i’s youngest keiki.
Earlier this month, we shared a report prepared by the IDEA Infant & Toddler Coordinators Association, outlining key elements of the proposed FFY 2026 budget.
In our ongoing Living808 series with KHON, we’ve been diving deeper into the key issues affecting Hawai‘i’s youngest keiki and their families. Our latest segment, which aired on March 17, explores the powerful role of peer support in helping families navigate life’s challenges.
It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.