A new public preschool classroom has officially opened in South Kona, bringing relief and joy to local families who have been waiting for expanded early education options. The classroom, which began operations this week, is part of Hawaii’s broader plan to increase access to early childhood education for children ages 3 and 4.
The Department of Education (DOE) confirmed that the preschool has been opened in the Kealakehe Elementary School complex, one of the sites identified for expansion as part of the Ready Keiki initiative. This move is part of Hawaii’s ongoing efforts to provide affordable, accessible, and high-quality early education options for families across the islands.
Governor Josh Green, in collaboration with the Department of Human Services and the DOE, had earlier launched the Ready Keiki initiative to ensure that by 2032, every 3- and 4-year-old in Hawaii has the opportunity to attend preschool. This South Kona classroom is a step toward meeting that target.
The classroom offers free preschool education, making it a huge support for working families who have been struggling to afford early learning programs. Many parents in rural areas like South Kona have long expressed concerns over the lack of public preschool facilities nearby, often traveling long distances or settling for limited private options that may not be affordable.
With this classroom opening, the state aims to provide a nurturing environment for young learners while helping parents balance work and family responsibilities. Local officials say the response has been positive, with several families already enrolled and more expected to join soon.
The preschool follows a play-based curriculum focused on building communication skills, motor development, and emotional learning. The goal is to prepare children for kindergarten while also encouraging social development and confidence through guided activities and structured play.
The DOE noted that qualified early childhood educators have been hired to run the classroom, and safety standards are being strictly maintained. Classroom sizes will remain small to ensure children receive individual attention and personalized care. The school also offers resources to help parents support their child’s development at home.
This expansion ties in with Hawaii’s broader preschool growth efforts funded by state and federal support. In recent years, early education has been a growing priority as studies show that children who attend quality preschool are more likely to succeed academically later in life. Investing in preschool education is also seen as a long-term economic benefit, helping close learning gaps before they begin.
Keiki O Ka ‘Āina, one of the community partners supporting early learning in the state, has welcomed the news. They believe that initiatives like this will strengthen the bond between schools and families while promoting equality in education across all regions of Hawaii.
Local leaders, including school board members and community advocates, attended a small opening event earlier this week. They praised the launch and called for continued investment in other underserved parts of the Big Island. According to them, the preschool demand in Hawaii is high, especially in rural areas where childcare options remain limited.
Families in South Kona can apply for enrollment directly through the Hawaii Department of Education’s website or by visiting the school. The program is open to children who meet the age and residency requirements. Officials advise interested families to apply early, as classroom slots are limited and expected to fill quickly.
The new classroom is seen as a symbol of progress in a community where early childhood education access has been a long-standing issue. With this opening, the state takes another step toward its 10-year goal of making preschool available to all children, regardless of where they live.
The state has made clear that this is just the beginning. More preschool classrooms are expected to open in the coming months across various islands, each one helping to move Hawaii closer to its goal of universal preschool access.
For families in South Kona, the new classroom brings a much-needed opportunity for their children to start their educational journey in a caring and enriching environment—without the heavy cost burden that often comes with early education.
