Executive Office on Early Learning

06/12/2026

📊 How are public dollars supporting Hawaiʻi’s children and youth?

Join us for the release of the Hawaiʻi Children & Youth Fiscal Map, a first-of-its-kind analysis of public investments supporting children and youth ages 0–24 across our state.

Learn how state, federal, and relief funding supports programs, services, and outcomes across Hawaiʻi—and how this data can help inform future policy and investment decisions.

🗓️ Tuesday, June 16, 2026
⏰ 9:00 a.m. HST
💻 Virtual Information Session

Presented by Alea Simons, Senior Research Associate, Children’s Funding Project.

🔗 Register today: https://tinyurl.com/fiscalmap

06/12/2026

06/12/2026

📣 Share Your Story & Help Improve First 5 Hawaiʻi!

Are you a Hawaiʻi-based family with children ages 0–5? We’d love to hear about your experience using the First 5 Hawaiʻi website!

Your feedback will help us better understand:
✨ How families use the website
✨ What’s working well
✨ Opportunities to make it even better

As a mahalo for your time, participants will receive a gift.

Your voice can help connect more Hawaiʻi families with the resources they need.

🔗 Sign up today: https://redcap.link/First5Hawaii

Questions? Contact the evaluation team at [email protected]

06/10/2026

On Thursday, June 11th we honor the legacy of King Kamehameha I, whose leadership united the Hawaiian Islands and helped shape the Hawaiʻi we know today. His vision, strength, and commitment to his people continue to inspire generations.

As we celebrate this special day and reflect on Hawaiʻi’s rich history and culture, we wish you and your ʻohana a safe and meaningful holiday.

Please note that EOEL will be closed on Thursday, June 11th, in observance of King Kamehameha Day. Our offices will reopen on Friday, June 12th.

E mālama i kekahi i kekahi, enjoy the holiday, and we'll see you back on Friday!

Happy King Kamehameha Day! 🌺🤙

06/09/2026

One of our favorite things to do is connect with families, educators, and community partners across Hawaiʻi!

From sharing resources to celebrating our keiki, every outreach event is an opportunity to build stronger connections and support early learning statewide.

Check out some of our favorite moments from this past weekend. We hope to see you at an upcoming event soon! 🤙

06/03/2026

🎉 A milestone moment for Hawaiʻi's youngest learners! 🎉

Yesterday, Governor Josh Green officially signed the acknowledgment of Hawaiʻi's updated Early Childhood State Plan, marking an important step forward for our keiki, families, and communities across the state.

This plan reflects a shared vision for strengthening early childhood systems and expanding opportunities so that every child in Hawaiʻi has the support they need to learn, grow, and thrive from the very beginning. The work outlined in this plan will help shape the future of early education, ensuring that our keiki have a strong foundation for lifelong success.

We are deeply honored that Governor Josh Green has recognized the importance of this plan and the collective effort behind it. This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication, expertise, and collaboration of the many individuals, organizations, educators, advocates, families, and community partners who helped shape its development.

Mahalo to everyone who contributed their voices, ideas, and commitment to creating a brighter future for Hawaiʻi's children. Together, we are building a stronger tomorrow one that begins with our keiki. 🌈🤙

05/29/2026

🎉 We’ve waited all year, and it’s finally here! 🎉

Applications for the Preschool Open Doors (POD) subsidy are now OPEN!

Preschool Open Doors helps eligible Hawaiʻi families pay for preschool tuition, making high-quality early learning more affordable and accessible for keiki across the state.

📢 New this year: The program is now available for eligible 2-year-olds, expanding opportunities for even more children to get a strong start on their learning journey.

Families can apply online through the PATCH Hawaiʻi website. Don’t wait—funding is limited, and early application is encouraged!

🔗 Apply today: www.patchhawaii.org

05/28/2026

Kick off your summer reading adventure at “First Taste of Summer”, the launch event of the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge!

Join us Saturday, June 6, 10 AM–2 PM at the Hawai‘i State Library (Downtown Honolulu, next to historic ‘Iolani Palace) for a fun-filled day of activities, community booths, and prize giveaways for all ages.

This year’s theme, “E Heluhelu Kākou: ‘Umeke Kā‘eo,” celebrates a calabash overflowing with knowledge and wisdom. Like an ‘umeke filled to the brim, reading nourishes our minds, hearts, and communities, bringing people together through stories and shared experiences.

Sign up for the 2026 Summer Reading Challenge at the event! The first 400 registrants will receive a FREE frozen dessert from Asato’s.

Meet featured local artist !

Mahalo to our sponsors: Friends of the Library of Hawai‘i, Alaska Airlines, Hawaii State Federal Credit Union, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, and more.

More info: librarieshawaii.org/hawaii-state-library or call (808) 586-3500

05/28/2026

As another school year comes to a close, we’re sending a huge mahalo to all the incredible teachers, caregivers, and school staff who showed up every single day for Hawaiʻi’s keiki. 🌈🍎

Your patience, kindness, creativity, and dedication make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families across our islands.

05/22/2026

As we head into the Memorial Day weekend, we wish everyone a safe and meaningful holiday. We extend our deepest gratitude to the brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.