On March 14, nearly 90 preschool students, teachers, and chaperones from the Seagull Schools Early Education Center (EEC) joined advocates, educators, parents, and policymakers at the Hawai‘i State Capitol for Early Learning Advocacy Day—a powerful call to prioritize investment in early childhood programs.
Organized in partnership with Commit to Keiki and the Hawai‘i Children’s Action Network (HCAN), the event provided an opportunity to bring visibility to the critical need for accessible, high-quality early learning opportunities for Hawai‘i’s youngest keiki.
The day began with a welcome from Mayor Rick Blangiardi and Representative Justin Woodson, Chair of the House Committee on Education, who have been steadfast advocates for early childhood education. Mayor Blangiardi reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding child care and early education, emphasizing that affordable, high-quality child care is essential for working families and pledging to continue advocating for policies that support young children and their caregivers. Representative Woodson underscored the lifelong benefits of early learning investments and praised the collaboration between policymakers, educators, and advocates working to expand access to high-quality programs.
Following the welcome, the students from Seagull Schools, along with their teachers and caregivers, visited key legislators who have championed early childhood education. Each group—comprised of about ten children, a teacher or parent, and a representative from either HCAN or Commit to Keiki—delivered handwritten cards, shared cupcakes, and presented an advocacy handout outlining early learning priorities. Legislators and their staff welcomed the keiki warmly, taking photos and engaging in meaningful conversations about why investing in early learning is crucial for Hawai‘i’s future.
A special mahalo to Mayor Blangiardi and Representative Woodson for their leadership and unwavering support of early learning. Their dedication to advancing policies that support young keiki and families is essential in building a stronger, more equitable future for Hawai‘i. We also extend our deepest gratitude to Seagull Schools CEO Megan McCorriston, whose leadership helped make this event possible.
Finally, a heartfelt mahalo to the legislators who took the time to meet with the Seagull Schools students and educators, and to all the parents, caregivers, and community members who continue to champion early learning for Hawai‘i’s youngest keiki.
