Bill > SB2496

This bill aims to ensure the continuation of family-child interaction learning programs, which are crucial for children from birth to age five by providing them with engaging, literacy-rich environments that boost social-emotional development and prepare them for school, and also offer parents education to support their children's learning and healthy family dynamics. The bill recognizes the significant positive impact of these programs on long-term health and well-being, their role in early detection of developmental delays, and their ability to connect families with essential mental health and social services. Given the potential reduction of these programs from sixty-four to just three due to federal funding cuts, which would also lead to the loss of nearly 120 early childhood educator jobs, this legislation appropriates funds to the Executive Office on Early Learning for the fiscal year 2026-2027 to administer and sustain these vital programs, allowing the office to contract with third-party providers and collaborate with counties.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=2496&year=2026