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The Conversation: Early Education

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Early education. It’s one of several priorities identified by lawmakers and business leaders this year. They are mounting an ambitious plan to expand access by identifying facilities across the state to house pre-school programs.While many may agree early education is important -- over the past decade there hasn’t been agreement on how to fund it, and who should take the lead. The Department of Education? The Department of Human Services? Should Pre-K classes be in public schools? Should taxpayers help subsidize private programs? Headstart, Preschool Open Doors, Executive Office of Early Learning and now Learning to Grow. All programs meant to provide access to those who can least afford quality childcare programs. What do you think? What’s been your experience? 
 
In studio guests discussing early education:

  • Terry George is President and CEO of Harold K. L. Castle Foundation. He’s with the Hawaii Executive Collaborative. It’s a group of local leaders looking at ways to tackle issues like education, affordable housing, health and the environment.  
  • Deborah Zysman, executive director of the Hawaii Children’s Action Network, a nonprofit that advocates for children’s issues. It supports public policies that help children and their families.

Other voices in this story:

  • Rep. Justin Woodson, chair of the Lower and Higher Education Committee in the State House of Representatives
  • Gov. David Ige
  • Lauren Morguchi, director, Executive Office of Early Learning
  • Robyn Chun, University of Hawaii at Manoa, College of Education
  • Corey Rosenlee, president, Hawaii State Teachers Association
  • Christina Kishimoto, superintendent, state Department of Education
  • Pankaj Bhanot, director, state Department of Human Services

Legislative bills relating to education:

  • HB2543 and SB3101, relating to access to early learning
  • SB2488, relating to teacher compensation
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Catherine Cruz is the host of The Conversation. Originally from Guam, she spent more than 30 years at KITV, covering beats from government to education. Contact her at ccruz@hawaiipublicradio.org.
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