2010 Hawaii Code
DIVISION 1. GOVERNMENT
TITLE 18. EDUCATION
302L. Early Learning System
§302L-2 Early learning system; keiki first steps.

[§302L-2] Early learning system; keiki first steps. There is established an early learning system, to be known as keiki first steps, that shall ensure a spectrum of high-quality early learning opportunities for children throughout the State, from birth until the time they enter kindergarten, with priority given to underserved or at-risk children. The early learning system shall be developed and administered by the early learning council to the extent permissible by law. The early learning system shall:

(1) Be widely accessible and voluntary for both those served and program and service providers;

(2) Be a cohesive, comprehensive, and sustainable system in which:

(A) All existing early learning programs and services, whether publicly- or privately-run, which consist of a variety of early learning approaches, service deliveries, and settings, including center-based programs, family child care programs, family-child interaction learning programs, and home-based instruction programs designed to promote early learning, are coordinated, improved, and expanded;

(B) Public and private resources are maximized; and

(C) The use of public facilities for either publicly- or privately-run early learning programs is maximized;

(3) Provide high-quality early learning experiences with:

(A) Standards-based content and curriculum, and accountability; and

(B) Sufficient numbers of well-qualified educators and administrators who are fairly compensated and have access to continuing professional development;

(4) Offer opportunities for family and community engagement and parent education and support; and

(5) Be sensitive to family choice and cultural diversity. [L Sp 2008, c 14, pt of §2]