Today, State officials and the education community gathered to celebrate funding for the Early Childhood Educator Stipend Program, an initiative to expand the State’s Early Childhood workforce. The Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL) is receiving $660,000 in funding from the State Budget, signed by Governor Josh Green on June 30, 2023.
Senator Michelle Kidani (District 18 - Mililani Town, Waipi‘o Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia), Chair of the Senate Committee on Education, and Representative Justin Woodson (District 9 - Kahului, Pu‘unēnē, portion of Wailuku), Chair of the House Committee on Education, joined Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke in visiting UH Mānoa Children’s Center to congratulate recipients of the stipend. The program reflects the State’s continued commitment to develop preschool access statewide.
Senator Kidani expressed the need for a focus on early education and her congratulations to the program beneficiaries of the UH Mānoa College of Education. “This program holds great significance as it aims to invest in our educators who play a fundamental role in shaping the lives of our young keiki during their crucial early years,” said Kidani. “By providing tuition stipends, we are not only supporting current and potential early childhood educators, but we are also demonstrating our commitment to their professional growth and development.”
Senator Kidani and EOEL introduced the program in connection with the UH Mānoa College of Education in time for the 2023 UH summer school sessions. The program provides stipends to eligible UH students enrolled in a certificate, degree, or license program in early childhood education, including those in the Hawaiian language medium. Initial funding was generously donated by the Samuel N. and Mary Castle Foundation.
The Early Childhood Educator Stipend Program will promote critical access to education for both educators and keiki during formative years.