Did You Know: 90% of an infant’s brain develops within the first five years so the early years (0-5) are when families and community are, in fact, shaping the future of each child…and the future citizens of the community.

Supporting and providing early learning opportunities is more than just enabling young parents to work, thereby growing the workforce. Also, providing and advocating for meaningful social and cognitive learning opportunities in group settings for little ones isn’t just about fun for the kids. It’s about preparing them for success in school – and life - by helping families introduce their young children to both literacy and social skills.    

Given this – and the challenges many island families face with access to and the affordability of early learning opportunities – WCA will focus its Thursday, April 3, 2025 Town Meeting on what’s available – and/or still needed right here in Waimea/North Hawai’i to be a better place for everyone including the youngest members of our community, said WCA President Mary Beth Laychak. The meeting will be held from 5:30-7 p.m., April 3 at Tutu’s House. 

As usual, all are welcome, there is no charge, and community members may attend in person or may watch virtually via WCA’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/WaimeaCommunityAssociation) or YouTube channel (www.WaimeaTown.org).  The meeting also will be recorded and available on WCA Facebook and YouTube for later viewing. 

Also as usual, questions are welcome – preferably in advance by emailing: WaimeaCommunityAssociation@gmail.com. 

To begin the early childhood conversation, Hawai’i County’s early childhood team with the Department of Research and Development led by Angela Thomas will provide an overview of progress made and challenges faced, then turn it over to the leaders of six very diverse Waimea/North Hawai’i preschool programs. Presenters will include Paula Yanagi representing Ka Hale O Na Keiki Preschool, Bonnie Beckett representing Montessori Education Center of Hawai’i based in Waimea, Waimea Elementary School Principal Tammie Picklesimer, Tricia Bell with Kamehameha Preschools located in Waimea and Pa’auilo, Ka’ohe Asing with Punana Leo o Waimea, and Pier Schutte with Small World Preschool. 

WCA Town Meetings begin with a pule and include a brief public safety update by South Kohala Community Policing Officers. 

The spotlighted not-for-profit for April will be the Hamakua-Kohala Health center, focusing on its wide ranging keiki to kupuna health-wellness services including the importance of vaccinations as well as its holistic life-long wrap-around programs. As always, a basket will be passed for donations to Hamakua-Kohala Health center whose clinics in Waimea, North Kohala, Honoka’a and Laupahoehoe take all comers regardless of health insurance and ability to pay.   

For more info about the meeting or WCA, email President Mary Beth Laychak at WaimeaCommunityAssociation@gmail.com or go to www.WaimeaTown.org. Membership in WCA is not required but suggested to support the not-for-profit organization’s now 60+-year community support mission.