The Castle Foundation has, since the 19th century, invested in high-quality early education as a moral commitment to equity in learning early. With a public-private universal access system, Hawaii has an opportunity to reduce disparities in education and socioeconomic status. These harmful disparities, which stem partly from unequal access to developmentally appropriate early education, result in diminished positive outcomes in K-12 education. The evidence clearly shows that investing in high-quality early childhood education (ECE) provides signfficant social and economic benefits. Although this early educational opportunity is not the only factor in creating fairer outcomes for children and families, it is a practical step that Hawaii needs to take.

To improve teaching quality and outcomes, the Castle Foundation has partnered with many excellent educational organizations to enhance preschool education and school results. Leading among these partners are the Erickson Institute, one of America’s top graduate programs in child development; the Hawaii Association of Independent Schools; specific programs for individual preschools; and the CDA certificate program at PATCH, Chaminade University, the University of Hawaii, and Hanahau’oli School.

As a leader in progressive education, Hanahau’oli School features an innovative Professional Development Center. This program is led by a coalition of educators from the University of Hawaii and the school itself. The Castle Foundation has funded initiatives for early childhood education (ECE) teachers in STEM and early mathematics, and it has also provided additional funds to expand these educational opportunities. It offers travel support for neighbor island teachers through the Robert Peters Professional Development Fund. Castle-supported Hanahau’oli programs are accessible to teachers from public, charter, and private preschools. The Foundation remains committed to the University of Hawaii’s College of Education, the University of Hawaii’s Institute for Teacher Education, and Chaminade University as we work to broaden opportunities in teacher education.

Please visit: www.hanahauoli.org/pdc