Hawai‘i’s Actions For Keiki

ECAS has been engaged in a comprehensive assessment of Network efforts, capacity and priorities. The current period of transition has created an opportunity to clarify ECAS’s purpose and strengthen the organization for its next chapter as we adjust to changing conditions and an evolving early childhood landscape.

ECAS team conveners and backbone staff have developed a revised conceptual framework to guide our next phase. Our revised framework has been informed by the BUILD Initiative’s model of a comprehensive and equitable early childhood system.

This year, the Kaʻū Community-Centered Partnership (CCP) reached an inspiring milestone, one shaped by the collective voices, knowledge, and aloha of community. 

Community-Centered Partnerships (CCP) represent a fundamental departure from traditional, top-down models of giving.

Over the next five years, Chaminade University will develop and validate a culturally responsive post-baccalaureate certificate in Early Intervention

A Hawaiʻi coalition comprised of local food and ECE systems partners was awarded the opportunity to participate in FARMWISE (2024-2026).

The Statewide Breastfeeding Workgroup (BFWG) deepened collaboration with historic partners like Breastfeeding Hawaiʻi to address breastfeeding support needs identified by WIC staff.

The Community Innovation Program supports community-led maternal health improvements by investing in locally generated knowledge, leadership, and solutions.

By continuing to shift the awareness to family voices and lived experience, we hope to move the narrative and culture of systems change in Hawai‘i, in a positive direction.

The ECAS Policy Team and the Commit to Keiki Steering Committee built a diverse agenda for the 2025 Legislative Session. The end of Session is the time to celebrate wins, discuss challenges and identify opportunities.

On behalf of the ECAS backbone staff, we wanted to send out some words of encouragement during these very trying times that are inevitably impacting all of us and those that we support.