Executive Office on Early Learning

09/17/2026

Looking for early learning resources for your ʻohana? 🌺

Join us tomorrow, September 18, at INPEACE's Preschool Here I Come, a free community event for families with keiki ages 0–5! EOEL will be there alongside other community partners to share information about early childhood education programs, child care subsidies, and resources available to Hawaiʻi families.

📍 Hawaiian Council, 91-1270 Kinoiki St. in Kapolei
🕙 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
📅 September 18, 2026

Stop by and come see us! We’d love to connect with you and help your ʻohana learn more about early learning opportunities and resources.

09/09/2026

Join us tomorrow, Thursday, September 10th, for the Early Learning Board’s Annual Retreat and September monthly meeting!

The public is welcome to attend both meetings, either in person at the CEED Center at KCAA Preschools of Hawaiʻi or virtually via Zoom. Public participation is welcome during the monthly meeting.

📅 Annual Retreat: 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
📅 Monthly Meeting: 1:30–4:00 p.m.

🔗 Zoom links and meeting information are available at:
https://tinyurl.com/SeptemberELB
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09/08/2026

Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) public schools in Kauaʻi County (including EOEL public pre-k) will remain closed to students through Friday, Sept. 11th, as campuses assess storm impacts and prepare to reopen following Hurricane Lowell.

The closures align with Gov. Josh Green and Mayor Derek Kawakami’s continued closure of state and county offices on Kauaʻi as recovery efforts continue.

09/08/2026

UPDATE: Four Hawaiʻi State Department of Education public schools in Lahaina will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 8, due to unsafe travel conditions along Honoapiʻilani Highway in the Olowalu area following impacts from Hurricane Lowell.

The following schools will be closed:
Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary
King Kamehameha III Elementary
Lahaina Intermediate
Lahainaluna High

09/08/2026

UPDATE: Due to anticipated impacts from Hurricane Lowell, all HIDOE public schools and offices (including EOEL) on Oʻahu and in Kauaʻi County will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 8th. This includes all public schools on Oʻahu, all public schools on Kauaʻi, Niihau High & Elementary School, and Department offices on both islands.

All school-related activities in the affected counties scheduled for Tuesday are also canceled, including athletic events and practices, extracurricular activities, meetings and other school events.

At this time, HIDOE schools and offices in Maui County and on Hawai‘i Island are scheduled to operate as normal Tuesday. The Department continues to closely monitor conditions statewide and will announce any additional changes to school operations as needed.

09/07/2026

Due to anticipated impacts from Hurricane Lowell, all 15 HIDOE public schools on Kauaʻi, Niihau High & Elementary School, and Department offices in Kauaʻi County will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 8th.

All school-related activities in Kauaʻi County scheduled for Tuesday are also canceled, including athletic events and practices, extracurricular activities, meetings and other school events.

The Department is coordinating closely with state and county emergency management officials and continues to monitor conditions statewide.

Please stay alert and stay safe!

09/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Labor Day!

In observance of Labor Day, EOEL offices and Public Pre-K classrooms will be closed on Monday, September 7.

We recognize the hard work and dedication of people across Hawaiʻi who help strengthen our communities each and every day.

Wishing you and your ʻohana a safe, happy, and restful Labor Day weekend! 🌺

09/02/2026

The latest issue of Bright Beginnings is here! 🌺

Catch up on the latest news, resources, events, and updates from Hawaiʻi’s early learning community, all in one place.

Take a few minutes to check out the newest issue and see what’s happening across the state to support our youngest keiki and their families. 💛

📖 Read the latest issue of Bright Beginnings here:

Bright Beginnings

08/28/2026

🍎 Interested in becoming a substitute teacher in Hawaiʻi?

The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa College of Education offers an Online Substitute Teacher Course designed for individuals interested in becoming substitute teachers with the Hawaiʻi Department of Education (HIDOE) in elementary, middle/intermediate, or high schools.

💻 100% online and asynchronous
📅 6-week course
⏱️ Approximately 30 contact hours
💵 Cost: $100 ($50 for UH Mānoa Education Minor students)

The course covers important topics including classroom management, HIDOE policies and procedures, instructional techniques, professional expectations, lesson planning, and best practices in teaching. Participants who successfully complete the course receive a certificate of completion and are eligible to apply to become an HIDOE substitute teacher.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent, although HIDOE prioritizes substitute teacher applicants who hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Please note that completing the course does not guarantee employment with HIDOE.

👉 Ready to learn more or register?
Visit go.hawaii.edu/Aaj or contact Aaron Levine at [email protected] or 808-956-0726.

Help spread the word to someone who may be interested in supporting Hawaiʻi's students and schools! 🍎📚