First Step to Success in Hawaii preschools: A targeted intervention for children with mild behavior challenges

Several studies and policy briefs have demonstrated a significant need to establish social competency in young children to promote their academic achievement in their early years (AERA, 2005; Brophy-Herb, Lee, Nievar & Stollak, 2007; Denham, 2006; Le, Kirby, Marney, Setodji & Gershwin, 2006; McClelland, Acock, & Morrison, 2006). The need to provide effective social competency programs to serve young Native Hawaiian children is heightened when reports consistently describe the significant economic and psychosocial challenges faced by Native Hawaiians (Kana‘iaupuni, Malone & Ishibashi, 2005).Given these challenges, the social development of young Native Hawaiian children, and in turn their educational achievement, are at considerable risk. The University of Hawai`i at Mânoa's Center on Disability Studies in Honolulu, Hawaii recently received a three year grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Native Hawaiian Program to implement First Step to Success in Oahu preschools. By the end of the three year grant, we hope to work with approximately 100 teachers, students and their families. First Step to Success is a program designed to help reduce antisocial behaviors and increase school readiness. Program overview and information about the implementation of First Step to Success in select Hawai`i preschool classrooms will be shared.