June 2026 Newsletter

A Message from Vivian Eto

Interim Executive Director, Early Childhood Action Strategy

Aloha Commit to Keiki ʻOhana,

I am honored to step into this role and continue working alongside all of you to advance Commit to Keiki’s vision for Hawaiʻi’s youngest keiki and their families.

As we enter an important election season, Commit to Keiki remains committed to ensuring that the needs of Hawaiʻi’s youngest keiki and families remain part of the public conversation. Through candidate engagement efforts and community forums, we will continue educating current and future leaders about the importance of child care and learning, early childhood mental health, and family violence prevention, while encouraging meaningful commitments to policies and investments that support healthy child development.

I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to Kerrie Urosevich for her years of leadership at Early Childhood Action Strategy and for bringing the Commit to Keiki vision to life. Her dedication to elevating the needs of Hawaiʻi’s youngest keiki and families helped build a strong foundation for this work, and we are deeply grateful for her contributions.

I also want to recognize the many partners, advocates, community leaders, and elected officials who have helped shape and strengthen this work over the years. The progress we have made reflects years of commitment, partnership, and a shared understanding that supporting young children and families is a responsibility we all share.

I look forward to building on this foundation and continuing our work together to ensure every keiki has the opportunity to grow up safe, healthy, and ready to reach their full potential.

Mahalo for your continued partnership and commitment.

Aloha,

Vivian Eto
Interim Executive Director
Early Childhood Action Strategy

Honolulu Star-Advertiser, June 4, 2026

$46M in federal funding for Hawaiian education programs extended

KHON, June 11, 2026

Tips for fostering healthy eating, active living as a family

Honolulu Star-Advertiser, June 11, 2026

Hawai‘i’s keiki deserve better than middle of the pack

KITV, June 17, 2026

Building brighter futures for our keiki

Federal Funding Update: House Committee Maintains Support for Child Abuse Prevention Programs

Earlier this month, the House Appropriations Committee approved its Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies spending bill, maintaining level funding for the Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention (CBCAP) program. The bill rejects a proposed $10 million cut and keeps funding at approximately $70.6 million nationwide.

While the federal budget process is still ongoing and the legislation must still be approved by both chambers of Congress and signed into law, the committee’s action signals continued recognition of the importance of prevention-focused supports for young keiki and families.

CBCAP is the only federal funding stream dedicated specifically to preventing child abuse and neglect before it occurs. Across the country, these funds help support parent education, home visiting programs, family resource centers, respite care, community-based family support services, and other efforts designed to strengthen families and reduce risk factors that can lead to abuse or neglect.

Research consistently shows that preventing family crises before they occur leads to better outcomes for keiki and families while reducing the long-term social and economic costs associated with child maltreatment. When families have access to resources, support networks, and services during times of stress, children are more likely to experience safe, stable, and nurturing environments that promote healthy development.

For Hawaiʻi, continued federal investments in prevention remain an important part of a broader effort to support family well-being and strengthen the systems that serve young children. As Commit to Keiki continues advocating for policies that promote family stability, early learning, and healthy child development, sustained support for prevention programs remains a critical component of that work.

Click here to learn more about this important federal update.

Preschool Open Doors

NOW OPEN!

Applications are now being accepted for the Preschool Open Doors program for the 2026–2027 school year. The program helps eligible Hawaiʻi families access tuition assistance for preschool and early learning programs for keiki ages 2 to 4.

Quality early learning experiences play a critical role in a child’s development and school readiness. Families are encouraged to apply early, as funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Visit patchhawaii.org or call (808)791-2130.