Improve Alignment

West Maui Early Childhood Collective (WMECC)

The work of the West Maui Early Childhood Collective is already making a difference for keiki and ‘ohana.

Since the devastating wildfires on Maui in August of 2023, there has been a massive outpouring of support from the community, from county, state and federal governments, and from philanthropic partners. The resulting relief and recovery efforts have made great strides. Many of these efforts have involved the West Maui Early Childhood Collective (WMECC), with coordination from Keaka Mitchell, Early Childhood Maui Wildfire Recovery Coordinator.

Photos taken at the blessing of classroom space at Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary School. Aunty Makalapua Kanuha, conducting the blessing with First Lady of Maui County, Ms. Isabella Bissen.

Key efforts to date include:

The West Maui Early Childhood Collective has expanded its network of partners, fostering collaboration with local organizations and providers. This expansion has enhanced resource sharing and service delivery across the region. Several new early childhood education programs have been launched, focusing on inclusive and accessible education for all children. These programs emphasize developmental milestones and are preparing children for future academic success.

From left to right: WMECC: Keaka Mitchell-ECAS, Kaina BonacorsiMaui County Early Childhood Resource Coordinator, Larae Balag-Director of Early Childhood Education at Maui Family Support Services, Stacy Clark-Vice President at Kama’aina Kids, Maui County Mayor-Mayor, Richard T. Bissen, Jr., Karyn Kanekoa-ʻAha Pūnana Leo ‘O Lahaina Kahu Site Coordinator, Edeluisa Baguio-Larena-Chief Executive Officer at Maui Family Support Services, Christopher Kish-Maui County Homeless Program Specialist, Recovery Team, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services - Wendi Ellis, Ms. Isabella Bissen-First Lady of Maui County. Missing in photo: Dr. Rebecca Winkie-Complex Area Superintendent, Maui District, Hāna-Lahainaluna-Lāna‘i-Moloka‘i, Gary Kanamori-Princess Nāhiʻenaʻena Elementary School Principal, Laurie Ann DeGama- Mayor’s Lahaina Advisory Team Member, Marlene Zeug-DOE’s Educational Consultant.

Regained child care capacity includes:

* 15 seats were recovered when Sacred Hearts opened at a long term (temporary) facility.

* The WMECC has brought back 52 seats including both infant and pre-K spaces. Doors opened in the beginning of August 2024, using classroom space at Princess Nahi‘ena‘ena Elementary School.

The West Maui Early Childhood Collective has hosted a series of community workshops and events that have engaged families and caregivers, providing them with resources and support to foster a nurturing environment for young learners. With support from the DOH/Papa Ola Lokahi SERG grant, KOKA hosted a number of ʻOhana Day community resource and family support events, targeted at families impacted by fires, at which Aloha at Home ʻOhana Toolkits were distributed.

Strategic investments have been made in early childhood facilities, enhancing learning environments and increasing capacity to accommodate more children. These investments allow for upgrades to existing centers and exploration of new site locations. And education partners have embraced innovative teaching methods, incorporating cultural elements unique to Maui, which have resonated well with both children and parents, enriching the learning experience.

Meet Keaka Mitchell, the Early Childhood Maui Wildfire Recovery Coordinator. Keaka is a resident of Lahaina, Maui and joined the Early Childhood Action Strategy (ECAS) Backbone team in June 2024. Here he talks about his role, challenges and his hopes for this work of supporting Early Childhood efforts in Lahaina and across the island.

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