Commit to Keiki - August 2023 Newsletter

WAYS TO HELP OUR MAUI KEIKI

Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the devastating wildfires on Maui and our condolences to those who have lost loved ones. Many families are dealing with immeasurable loss – their homes, their belongings, and ultimately, their sense of security. It has been reported that more than 2,000 structures have been destroyed. Among those are several schools and early learning institutions, including Pūnana Leo o Lahaina, a Hawaiian language preschool that serves young keiki in the Lahaina area, as well as the Maui Economic Opportunity Early Head Start site. Additionally, Imua Family Services, which provides early intervention and early childhood services to families in need, has also lost their Lahaina office.

In the wake of this tragedy, it’s important that we recognize the emotional toll that this will have on young children. The long-lasting impact of experiencing such loss and displacement cannot be overlooked. Maui’s families and keiki need our support!

CLICK HERE for a list of child care options for families affected by the wildfires on Maui. Mahalo to PATCH – People Attentive to Children for creating this list for our families.

Please consider donating to organizations that provide direct services to our youngest keiki on Maui. Click the button below for a list of Maui partners currently accepting donations, including Maui Family Support Services and Maui Early Childhood Resource Center, Imua Family Support Services, `Aha Pūnana Leo, Parents and Children Together Maui, and more.

Maui Partner Donations

AUGUST IS NATIONAL BACK TO SCHOOL MONTH

Preschool Prep and the Importance of Routines

Parents and caregivers often find themselves juggling numerous responsibilities and schedules, all while trying to provide the best support for their keiki. And this becomes increasingly evident during back to school season. In the midst of this busy time, it’s important for families to remember that establishing and maintaining routines for all keiki birth to five, can make a significant difference in their overall development, health and wellbeing.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children recently published an article, 13 Tips for Starting Preschool, authored by Diane Tunis, a Head Start teacher in Silver Spring, Maryland; Rhonda Kleiner, a kindergarten teacher in Rockville, Maryland, and Fredda Band Loewenstein, associate director of the Early Childhood Centers at Wilshire Boulevard Temple in Los Angeles, California. Here are a few of their tips to ensure a smooth transition into preschool:

1. Visit your local library during a read-aloud time so your child gets used to hearing someone other than Mom, Dad, or Grandpa.

2. Establish a routine of “early to bed” and “school wake-up time” several weeks before school begins so your child has time to adjust to the new schedule.

3. Arrange play dates with children who will be in your child’s class.

4. If your child has never before been cared for by someone else, start to leave her for short periods of time with friends or relatives. Reinforce the fact that you will return and that she is safe with others.

5. Remember that separation is a process. Expect that your child (or yourself) will need time to feel comfortable with the new situation.

According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center, children feel more confident and secure when their daily activities are predictable and familiar. This is one of the many reasons why Commit to Keiki continues to prioritize family violence prevention, early childhood mental health, and child care and early learning. It is critical that Hawai’i families receive the resources and support that they need in order to create a safe and secure home for their children.

Our Voices

MEGAN MCCORRISTON

“The benefits of an early education are well-documented and, indisputably, it has been proven to shape a child’s mind in ways that build strong foundations for the future. What is critical, therefore, is a coordinated community effort to ensure that all children, regardless of their background, enjoy access to an early education in all of its shapes and forms.” – Megan McCorriston

A member of the Commit to Keiki Steering Committee, Megan McCorriston is the CEO of Seagull Schools – serving six communities throughout Hawai’i with a high-quality, early education program for children 18 months to 5 years of age.

A tireless advocate of education as a means for social justice for over 20 years, Megan began her career as a school teacher, and later went on to specialize in inclusive education for refugees, asylum-seekers and forced migrants globally. She worked for a number of agencies and non-profits in education in the UK, Europe and Asia, including the British Refugee Council and UNESCO, before returning to Hawai’i.

Since 2010, she has worked in education administration and leadership for community-based schools throughout the state. She is a published researcher in the field of comparative and international education and proud member of many childcare advocacy groups, including the National Association of the Education of Young Children and Child Care Business Coalition in Hawai’i. Megan holds a Master of Science and Doctorate degrees in Education from the University of Oxford in England.