`Ekolu `Eha `ike Pono: School Readiness Project

Historically, Native Hawaiian children have been at-risk for compromised academic, vocational, and socio-economic outcomes. The communities where they live have high rates of infant mortality, poverty, unemployment, and persons living on public assistance. Few of the children have access to high quality preschool programs and, consequently, most are not ready to learn when they get to school. Their needs for special education are disproportionately high, as are their rates of educational underachievement and high school drop out. Early intervention is critical to enhance their wellness across their lifetime. To address this issue, the Aloha United Way, at the request of the Hawaii State Legislature, established a priority for comprehensive developmental, hearing, and vision screening of preschool children in Native Hawaiian communities. A partnership program was established in a community that has the state's highest percentage of Native Hawaiian children. This partnership consisted of a Native Hawaiian organization, community-based social organizations, and the University of Hawaii. A comprehensive screening program and case management services were provided. Parents received training in child development issues. In addition, efforts were made to link the children with a medical home to ensure they had up-to-date immunizations, Work was begun to assist families in accessing high-quality preschool programs. This presentation describes the project, its results, its cost, and its implications for policy decisions. Also described are challenges encountered and overcome and barriers that remain.