Kauai Celebrates Opening of First Infant and Toddler Care Center

A new milestone in early childhood education has been reached with the opening of Kauai’s first dedicated Infant and Toddler Care Center. The facility, located in the former Immaculate Conception School building, officially opened on September 25, 2023, with a ceremony attended by community members, government officials, and representatives from Child and Family Service (CFS).

The center aims to enhance the availability of Early Head Start services for Kauai’s youngest residents, known locally as keiki. According to Novelyn Hinazumi, the CFS director of Kauai programs, this initiative is crucial for fostering a solid foundation for lifelong learning, health, and success. Hinazumi stated, “This program is critical to building a strong foundation for lifelong learning, health and success of our keiki.”

The opening ceremony featured notable guests, including Amanda Pump, the President and CEO of CFS, and U.S. Representative Jill Tokuda, who traveled specifically to attend the event. Other dignitaries included Senate President Ron Kouchi, Managing Director Reiko Matsuyama, who represented Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami, and County Council Chair Mel Rapozo.

The new center will enable CFS to serve a greater number of infants and toddlers through a structured, center-based program. This expansion complements the existing home-based Early Head Start services already available to families. The facility is now accepting applications for infants and toddlers, with eligibility requirements aligned with federal guidelines for children from birth to age three, pregnant individuals, and families meeting specific income criteria.

CFS has a long history of supporting early childhood education on Kauai, having operated Head Start programs serving children aged three to five since 2000. The newly established Infant and Toddler Care Center specifically addresses the needs of younger children, enhancing the federally supported Early Head Start program’s offerings.

The Early Head Start program is designed to promote healthy development for low-income families, providing a comprehensive range of services that include early childhood education, health and nutrition support, and case management. Families eligible for assistance may include those receiving benefits such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), those experiencing homelessness, or those involved in foster care.

For further information regarding eligibility requirements or to apply, interested families can visit the CFS website at www.childandfamilyservice.org. The opening of this center marks a significant step forward in ensuring that Kauai’s youngest residents have access to vital early learning resources.