Hawai‘i Island Early Childhood Conference 2023 embarks on Huliau

The Hawaiʻi Island Early Childhood Conference, an event dedicated to Early Childhood practitioners, will take place at the Courtyard by Marriott-King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel from Dec. 1-2 under the theme “Huliau – A Time of Change,” and is sponsored by the County of Hawaiʻi.

“We invite all dedicated early childhood education practitioners to join us as we embrace a period of significant change together,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “The future of our keiki depends on a high-quality education that opens doors to better lifelong opportunities.”

The conference begins with a dinner at the hotel’s Honu’s restaurant on Friday evening, featuring a keynote address by Susan Gale Perry, a renowned expert in early childhood education and childcare trends. Perry, CEO of Child Care Aware of America, will provide insights on making a positive impact on childcare.

On Saturday, Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke will update participants on the state’s Ready Keiki initiative. The day starts at 7:30 a.m. with breakfast and includes workshops on advocacy, local initiatives, and early literacy development. The event concludes at 3:30 p.m.

Angela Thomas, Hawaiʻi County Early Childhood Resource Coordinator, expressed her enthusiasm for the conference, saying, “This conference offers the latest information to practitioners and explores early literacy teaching strategies. The theme, Huliau – A Time of Change, reflects the opportunities to enhance Early Childhood Education.”

Registration options include Friday night’s dinner and keynote for $30, Saturday’s workshops for $40, or a two-day experience for $60. Special hotel rates are available for attendees.

To register for this event, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hawaii-island-early-childhood-conference-2023-tickets-739723973317?aff=oddtdtcreator.

If you have any questions or need more information, contact Chelsea LaFrance at chelsea.lafrance@hawaiicounty.gov or call 808.887.6077.