In Case you Missed It:

Commit to Keiki Shares Federal Budget Update

Earlier this month, we shared a report prepared by the IDEA Infant & Toddler Coordinators Association, outlining key elements of the proposed FFY 2026 budget.

Here are a few of our key takeaways:

Early Childhood Mental Health: Federal funding for early childhood mental health will be almost entirely eliminated. There appears to be a general gutting of public health infrastructure across the board, including cuts to reproductive health services that support maternal wellbeing and family stability.

Family Violence Prevention: Family violence as it relates to gender-based and child violence is being targeted. However, funding remains for some suicide and substance use disorder programs.

Child Care and Early Learning: Funding for early intervention, special education, Child Care Block Grant, and Head Start appear to remain intact. Charter schools receive a funding bump, which may help expand initiatives like Ready Keiki.

The budget proposal also includes the elimination of numerous federal grants that currently support early childhood development, public health, and family services in Hawai‘i. This includes the Preschool Development Grant, the $50 million Native Hawaiian Education Program, and Project Launch. Below is a snapshot of proposed funding increases, reductions, and level support for key programs impacting early childhood mental health, family violence prevention, and child care and early learning.

to view the full IDEA report and Commit to Keiki’s summary.

Federal Budget Changes

Ready Keiki Makes Major Progress in Expanding Early Learning Access for Hawaiʻi Families

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke at podium

Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke recently announced the next phase of preschool classroom openings under the Executive Office on Early Learning’s (EOEL) Public Pre-Kindergarten Program, a key component of the Ready Keiki initiative. This expansion moves Hawai‘i closer to its goal of universal access to pre-k by 2032.

Fifty new public preschool classrooms will open statewide over the next two years, with 25 launching in time for the 2025–26 school year. This will add approximately 1,000 new seats for 3- and 4-year-olds, with priority given to children in foster care, experiencing homelessness, or from low-income and at-risk families. The effort includes the program’s 100th classroom and brings the statewide total to more than 2,700 pre-k seats by 2026.

In another major step forward, Lt. Governor Luke also signed into law Act 203 (House Bill 692), which significantly expands the state’s Preschool Open Doors (POD) tuition subsidy program. Beginning January 1, 2026, families with 2-year-olds will now be eligible for subsidies. In addition, new rules taking effect on June 27, 2025, will raise income eligibility to 500% of the federal poverty level, allowing a family of four earning up to $184,896 to qualify for assistance.

Together, these efforts represent a powerful commitment to making high-quality early learning more affordable, accessible, and inclusive across the state. Commit to Keiki applauds this meaningful progress.

Click here to learn more about the new EOEL public pre-k classrooms.

Click here to learn more about the POD expansion.

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Survey Findings

DID YOU KNOW?

62% of O‘ahu voters and 75% of Hawai‘i Island voters say they are more likely to support candidates who prioritize publicly funded childcare, citing its economic benefits, such as helping parents return to work and rebuilding Hawai‘i’s economy.

Investing in childcare is investing in a stronger Hawai‘i.

Click here to read Commit to Keiki’s 2024 polling results. Polling will take place on Kaua‘i and Maui in early 2026.

Keeping Keiki Grounded:

Why Summer Routines Matter

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With summer in full swing and many families shifting into a more relaxed rhythm, it is easy to let go of structure. But for keiki under five, maintaining consistent routines, even in small ways, continues to play a meaningful role in their development and well-being.

Young children rely on predictable routines to make sense of the world around them. Regular patterns such as shared mealtimes, naps, quiet reading before bed, or time outdoors help anchor their day, offering a sense of safety and stability. These daily habits support emotional regulation, language development, and early learning. They are the building blocks that shape how our youngest keiki grow, connect, and succeed.

Routines also ease transitions. Whether returning to preschool, starting kindergarten, or adjusting to new caregivers, keiki with steady daily rhythms are better equipped to navigate change with confidence. For families, routines can provide helpful structure in an otherwise busy season, making everyday moments more manageable and meaningful.

Maintaining regular bedtimes, consistent wake-up times, and scheduled quiet moments during the day can make a significant difference. These small but steady habits support healthy sleep, strengthen emotional balance, and help children feel secure from morning to night.

Summer invites flexibility, but keeping a few consistent touchpoints such as morning rituals or a regular nap can offer young keiki the sense of security they need to thrive. Even in the most relaxed seasons, structure remains a quiet but powerful form of support.

upcoming dates

Hope Woven In: Strengthening the Fabric of Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Conference

Join Hawai‘i’s Department of Health and the Association for Infant Mental Health in Hawai‘i for a free, first-of-its-kind conference focused on supporting infant and early childhood mental health from pregnancy through kindergarten. Designed for providers and professionals serving young children and families, this event offers opportunities for learning, reflection, and connection across the early childhood field.

Date: August 8, 2025

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Location: Ko’olau Ballrooms & Conference Center

Click here to register.

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