Na Kamali`i Hoaloha Earns National Accreditation

Na Kamali`i Hoaloha News Release

Na Kamali`i Hoaloha, a small preschool for children ages 3 and 4, is located in Kalamaula at Kalaiakamanu Hou Church.  In September, 2013, Na Kamali`i Hoaloha earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) – the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals.

“We’re proud to have earned the mark of quality from NAEYC, and to be recognized for our commitment to reaching the highest professional standards,” said Kathy Bennett, director of Na Kamali`i Hoaloha.  “NAEYC Accreditation lets families in our community know that children in our program are getting the best care and early learning experiences possible. At Na Kamali`i Hoaloha we believe it is our responsibility to honor and serve the whole child by establishing a safe, nurturing, and inclusive community, by supporting and encouraging self-directed learning through play, and by fostering a culture that values early childhood.”

To earn NAEYC Accreditation, Na Kamali`i Hoaloha went through an extensive self-study process, measuring the program and its services against the ten NAEYC Early Childhood Program Standards and more than 400 related Accreditation Criteria.  The program received NAEYC Accreditation after an on-site visit by NAEYC Assessors to ensure that the program meets each of the ten program standards.

“The NAEYC Accreditation system raises the bar for child care centers and other early childhood programs,” said Jerlean E. Daniel, Ph.D, executive director of NAEYC. “Having earned NAEYC Accreditation is a sign that Na Kamali`i Hoaloha is a leader in a national effort to invest in high-quality early childhood education.”

In addition to achieving NAEYC Accreditation,  Na Kamali`i Hoaloha is building a scholarship fund with a grant from the Samuel N. and Mary Castle Foundation and by restricting funds earned with Friendly Market Center Kokua Cards.  The Nā Kamaliʻi Hoaloha ʻOhana Scholarship will provide small financial aid scholarships to those of our families that don’t qualify for other tuition subsidies.   If you would like to participate, there are Kokua Cards available at the school.  Tax deductible donations to the fund are welcome and can be mailed to P. O. Box 1527, Kaunakakai, HI  96748.

April 6-12 is the Week of the Young Child.  The theme for the 2014 Week of the Young Child is “Early Years Are Learning Years.”  Na Kamali`i Hoaloha will hold a series of workshops geared toward strengthening families.

For more information about NAEYC Accreditation, visit naeyc.org/academy, and to learn more about Na Kamali`i Hoaloha, email admin@nakamaliihoaloha.org.