The state is offering families on Oahu and Hawaii Island free preschool.
But getting the families to accept that offer is not as easy as it sounds.
The State Department of Education is stressing the importance of early childhood learning by allotting six million dollars in tuition assistance over the next three years for low income families in the Nanakuli-Waianae district on Oahu and the Kau-Keaau-Pahoa district on the Big Island. Those are areas considered by the state with persistently low achieving schools.
"So we’re targeting our resources to address those needs and turn around those schools so that we increase student achievement in the state of Hawaii,” said Camille Masutomi of the DOE.
By getting kids started on the right path of education, they have a better chance of getting good grades as they get older. It’s all part of the state’s effort to reach its overall goal with Race to the Top and get federal funding.
"When we take it from there we are able to increase student achievement,” said Masutomi.
But still not enough families are taking advantage of the offer.
There are 135 spots still open and the deadline to apply is January 31st.
"Whatever we can do to assist the families, we want them to apply, this is a wonderful opportunity for their three or four year old child to receive a full year of free preschool,” said Katy Chen of PATCH Hawaii.
The non-profit group Patch Hawaii can assist families with applying and finding the preschool. Part of the problem is that on the Big Island, the areas targeted don’t have enough preschools.
"Because it’s the ruralness of the area that you’re not gonna have opportunities or experiences that students in urban areas would get,” said Mary Correa, complex area superintendent.
On Oahu, it could be that families eligible just don’t know about it.
Go to patchhawaii.org or call #839-1988.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
