HONOLULU — Early education hit a milestone in Windward Oahu when the Benjamin Parker Elementary School opened two new public preschool classrooms. They are the first of their kind in Kaneohe, part of the Ready Keiki initiative to ensure all Hawaii keiki are equipped to enter kindergarten.

What You Need To Know

  • The two classrooms can accommodate 40 students

  • The Windward community raised the need for increased child care and preschool options, which was supported by population data on where 3- and 4-year-olds are located

  • Keiki experiencing specific learning, language and family situations were given priority enrollment

  • Starting Oct. 1, families living and working in Windward Oahu are encouraged to apply for open enrollment to EOEL’s Public Prekindergarten Program for remaining seats through an online portal

On Monday, Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke together with Executive Office on Early Learning Director Yuuko Arikawa-Cross and area legislators Representative Lisa Kitagawa, Representative Scot Z. Matayoshi and Senator Jarrett Keohokalole, visited one of the two classrooms.

The two classrooms can accommodate 40 students. Keiki experiencing specific learning, language and family situations were given priority enrollment.

“The opening of these two preschool classrooms at Benjamin Parker is not only a huge step for our Windward Oahu community but a testament to the importance of expanding early education across the state,” said Lt. Gov. Luke in a news release. “Whether here in Kaneohe, Hilo, or Wailuku, keiki across Hawaii, no matter where they live, should have access to high-quality early education.”

The Windward community raised the need for increased child care and preschool options, which was supported by population data on where 3- and 4-year-olds are located.

“We’ve listened to the community and know that early learning is key to success in school and life. These new classrooms are a direct response to that need, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to see them open in Kaneohe,” said Arikawa-Cross. “We are grateful to our partners for making this a reality for our keiki.”

Benjamin Parker Elementary School Principal Patricia Macadangdang highlighted the positive impact the preschool classrooms will have on students and families.

“Pre-K has already made a big difference here at Ben Park. Our keiki will be coming to kindergarten better prepared and their families are excited to have this opportunity so close to their homes or work,” Macadangdang said.

Starting Oct. 1, families living and working in Windward Oahu are encouraged to apply for open enrollment to EOEL’s Public Prekindergarten Program for remaining seats through the online portal. All families, regardless of priority group, are encouraged to apply. Call EOEL at 808-784-5350 for more information.

See where child care centers and public and private preschools are located in Windward Oahu on the Ready Keiki map.

Sarah Yamanaka covers news and events for Spectrum News Hawaii. She can be reached at sarah.yamanaka@charter.com.