Waimea Community Association town meeting to focus on shaping future for keiki and community

Supporting and providing early learning opportunities is more than just about offering fun for the kids. It’s about preparing keiki for success in school — and life — by introducing them to literacy and social skills.

Did you know: 90% of an infant’s brain develops within the first 5 years, so it’s during the early years of a child’s life, through age 5, when their entire future is shaped.

Given the challenges many Big Island families face with access to and the affordability of early learning opportunities, Waimea Community Association’s next town hall meeting April 3 will focus on what’s available and what is still needed for North Hawai‘i to be a better place for the youngest members of the community.

All are welcome to attend from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at at Tutu’s House, located at 64-1032 Māmalahoa Highway, No. 305, in Waimea. If you can’t make it in person, you can watch on the association’s Facebook page.

The meeting also will be recorded and available to watch later on the Waimea Community Association Facebook page, YouTube channel and website.

The Hawai‘i County Department of Research and Development early childhood team led by Angela Thomas will provide an overview of progress made and challenges faced then turn it over to the leaders of six very diverse Waimea and North Hawai‘i preschool programs.

Presenters will include:

• Paula Yanagi of Ka Hale O Na Keiki Preschool.
• Bonnie Beckett with Waimea-based Montessori Education Center of Hawai‘i.
• Principal Tammie Picklesimer from Waimea Elementary School.
• Tricia Bell with Kamehameha Preschools lin Waimea and Pa‘auilo.
• Ka‘ohe Asing with Pūnana Leo o Waimea.
• Pier Schutte with Small World Preschool.

Questions are welcome. Community members are asked to submit them in advance of Thursday’s meeting by emailing to WaimeaCommunityAssociation@gmail.com.

A brief public safety update with South Kohala Community Policing officers also will be included during the meeting.

April’s spotlight nonprofit is Hāmākua-Kohala Health Center, focusing on its wide range of health and wellness services for keiki to kūpuna, including the importance of vaccinations as well as its holistic life-long wrap-around programs.

Email Waimea Community Association President Mary Beth Laychak at WaimeaCommunityAssociation@gmail.com or visit the association’s website for more information.