Hawaii
Policy Strategies & Innovations Link copied!
| Innovation Name | Innovation Type | Innovation Subtype | Features at a Glance | Strategy Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Early Learning Board | Infrastructure Systems | Data Systems | The ELB advises the governor and makes recommendations to the state legislature |
In 2017, Hawaii converted its early childhood advisory council to an advisory board, the Early Learning Board (ELB). ELB was established through Act 202 and is tasked with formulating statewide policy relating to early learning. It directs the Executive Office on Early Learning (EOEL) on how to best meet the developmental and educational needs of children; provides recommendations to EOEL on improving the quality, availability, and coordination of early learning programs; promotes collaboration across agencies and stakeholders serving young children; and appoints the EOEL director and evaluating the director on an annual basis. The ELB advises the governor and makes recommendations to the legislature. Learn more: State of Hawaii Executive Office on Early LearningSources: |
Demographics Link copied!
State population
1,440,196 Source U.S. Census, 2022
Rural %
13.9% Source U.S. Census, 2020
Urban %
86.1% Source U.S. Census, 2020
Number of children age 0-4
82,785 Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Poverty levels – children 0-8 below 200% poverty
30% Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Median family income among households with children
$93,900.00 Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Unemployment rate
3.2% Source U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, December 2022
Unemployment rate of parents
6% Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Children under age 6 with all available parents in the labor force
64% Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Children living in households with a high housing cost burden
39% Source KIDS COUNT, 2021
Political Landscape Link copied!
| Year | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Governor | D | D | D | D | D |
| House | D | D | D | D | D |
| Senate | D | D | D | D | D |
Early Childhood Education Programs Link copied!
Public pre-K program name
Ready Keiki Source: Hawaii Executive Office on Early Learning 2023
Public pre-K program name
Hawaii State Public Charter School Early Learning Program Source: NIEER 2023
Universal or targeted pre-K policy
Transitioning from Targeted to Universal Pre-K Policy (3- and 4-Year-Olds) Source: Hawaii Executive Office on Early Learning 2023
Universal or targeted pre-k policy
Targeted Pre-K Policy (3- and 4-Year-Olds) Source: NIEER 2023
Percent of 3-Year-Old Children Enrolled in Public Early Childhood Education Programs Source: NIEER 2023
Programs
- 3-year-old children enrolled in state-funded public pre-K (.4%)
- 3-year-old children enrolled in Head Start (6%)
- Other/none (93.6%)
Percent of 4-Year-Old Children Enrolled in Public Early Childhood Education Programs Source: NIEER 2023
Programs
- 4-year-old children enrolled in state-funded public pre-K (3%)
- 4-year-old children enrolled in Head Start (7%)
- Other/none (90%)
Workforce Link copied!
2017–2019 Median Hourly Wages Source CSCCE 2018, 2020
Role
- Child care workers
- Preschool teachers
- Preschool or child care center directors
Funding Sources Link copied!
Funding acronyms: CCDBG: Child Care and Development Block Grant; CARES Act: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act; CRRSE Act: Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations; ARPA: American Rescue Plan Act; CCDF: Child Care and Development Fund; MIECHV: Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program; IDEA: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; TANF: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
The COVID Funding Cliff
All federal COVID relief allocations, including funding authorized by the CARES, CRRSE, and ARPA bills, must be fully spent by September 2024. An analysis from the Century Foundation shows this loss of funds could cause more than 3 million children to lose access to child care nationwide – including nearly 6,000 children in Hawaii.