pire and equip families and commu timeless Native Hawaiian values a
The Urgency and Impact of Sustaining Early Childhood Education for Hawaiʻi’s Keiki and ‘Ohana
PIDF’s traveling preschool programs are a lifeline for Hawaiʻi’s families, delivering high-quality early childhood education for keiki from birth to five at no cost, while also providing caregiver/parent education that strengthens children’s learning and overall family well-being.
The 3 most critical years...
It is widely recognized, supported by extensive research including a report by the Child and Family Policy Center, that 85% of brain development occurs by age three. Without early education to lay a strong foundation, educational gaps emerge even before preschool and persist through the K–12 system
Studies show that by age two, children from low-income households are already six months behind in language processing. Recent Kindergarten Entry Assessment data from the Hawaiʻi DOE confirms the crisis: less than one-third of keiki statewide are kindergarten-ready
The Proven Solution: FCIL Traveling Preschools
In 38 program sites across the state, PIDF’s three Family-Child Interaction Learning (FCIL) programs deliver high-quality early learning to Native Hawaiian and low-income or unhoused families right in their own neighborhoods, at no cost By setting up in community centers, gyms, and church halls, we are removing barriers to access and bringing education to families who often live in areas with the least availability of services. Each program is rooted in Native Hawaiian culture, values, and language, ensuring learning feels not only relevant but deeply affirming
PIDF Program Reach in FY2024-2025
Nearly three-quarters (72%) of the keiki we served were in the most critical developmental stage birth to age three representing 1,242 infants and toddlers These are the years when brains grow fastest, and when the right interventions can change a child’s life trajectory.
Validated Achievements of FCIL Programs
Children are developmentally on track and ready for school
Caregivers are equipped and confident as their child’s first teacher
Families have access to resources and support
Communities have more jobs, are healthier, resilient and connected
What are the benefits to Hawaiʻi?
When a caregiver learns how to nurture their child’s development, the benefits multiply:
Siblings often benefit from the same enriched learning environment.
Families gain tools to access resources, set educational or career goals, and strengthen financial and emotional stability.
Communities see stronger, more connected families contributing to local well-being. They also benefit from the employment opportunities to work in and serve their community.
COMMUNITY WELL-BEING
Ripple Effects of Caregiver Education PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
This is why FCIL is more than a preschool it’s a family-strengthening, communitybuilding model that breaks cycles of disadvantage -Kahikina (Tūtū and Me ʻohana)
This program holds a special place in my heart because its impact spans generations.
As someone who also participated in a traveling preschool program, I'm incredibly grateful that Tūtū and Me continues to thrivenow enriching the lives of my own keiki.
kēia
u ʻuku e nui an
This smallness will be big later.
ʻŌlelo Noʻeau #2458
The Funding Need
PIDF is committed to sustaining its service avoiding disruptions as federal funding de Budget Overview
Scenario Total B
Current Full-Scale FCIL (3 programs/ 38 sites)
$12,000,000 $500,000 $11,500,000
Streamlined FCIL Model (4 teams/ 8 sites) $2,500,000 $500,000 $2,000,000
We aim to ensure FCIL traveling preschools remain in key communities continuing to prepare our keiki for success in school and life while empowering caregivers to lift the next generation
