New UH degree program helps address statewide pre-K teacher shortage

University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Education is responding to the critical shortage of early childhood educators in Hawaiʻi with a new bachelor of education in early childhood care and education degree program beginning this fall.

The program aims to provide candidates with the needed competencies and experiences to nurture and guide children from birth through age 8 years old, laying the foundation for their learning and discovery within their individual social-cultural contexts.

This initiative is a major step in streamlining the pathway to becoming a pre-kindergarten teacher by separating early childhood education from the broader kindergarten to eighth-grade track.

The program offers a full-time schedule, with evening classes, in a hybrid statewide format. Graduates will be recommended for a Hawaiʻi early childhood teaching license for preschool through third grade.

Curriculum aligns with the National Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators as well as the Interstate New Teacher Assessment Consortium Model Core Teaching Standards, ensuring graduates meet national benchmarks for high-quality teaching.

Grounded in Hawaiʻi’s unique cultural and educational landscape, the program also integrates community input to address local needs.

“The College of Education is committed to addressing Hawaiʻi’s critical need for early childhood educators by providing a high-quality, accessible pathway for future teachers,” said College of Education Dean Nathan Murata. “This new program reflects our dedication to supporting children, families and communities by ensuring a well-prepared workforce that understands the importance of early learning and care.”

The deadline to apply for the new program is March 1.

UH’s new degree program also aligns with statewide efforts to expand early learning access and emphasizes the critical role of care and learning from birth — a priority under the state’s Ready Keiki initiative led by Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke.

Ready Keiki aims to provide preschool access by 2032 for all Hawaiʻi 3- and 4-year-olds, creating more than 400 classrooms statewide. However, the expansion of early childhood education is being hindered by a lack of qualified teachers.

“Expanding access to early childhood education is at the heart of the Ready Keiki initiative, and this new degree program is a critical step in ensuring we have the qualified teachers needed to support Hawaiʻi’s youngest learners,” said Luke. “By streamlining the pathway to becoming a pre-K educator, we are investing in our children, families and the future of our state.”

Valley Varma, a teacher at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa Children’s Center, is a graduate of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s early childhood education master’s program. She has more than 30 years of experience in the field and is excited for students of the new program to learn through the lens of early education and care.

“Both of which are fundamental aspects of working with Hawaiʻi keiki and families,” ​​said Varma. “I’m really proud and excited to see what comes from this new program.”

The bachelor of education in early childhood care and education program was developed through a collaboration between University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa faculty, early childhood education faculty at University of Hawaiʻi Maui College and UH community colleges on the Big Island, Kauaʻi as well as in Honolulu.

“This new degree program is a testament to the power of collaboration across our (University of Hawaiʻi) campuses, ensuring that students statewide have access to high-quality training for critical early childhood education roles,” said University of Hawaiʻi President Wendy Hensel. “By preparing future educators to meet Hawaiʻi’s workforce needs, UH is helping to strengthen our communities and investing in a brighter future for our families.”

To apply and sign up for virtual or in-person information sessions, visit the College of Education website.