Investing in the future of early childhood education, now.

We are educators committed to training the next generation
of educators for the future of our keiki.

 

Our Story

Our early childhood education system is in trouble. A large number of current early childhood providers are retiring, and there isn’t a pipeline of qualified educators available to immediately refill these crucial positions. This crisis in early childhood education everywhere is gaining national coverage, but as often is the case with large-scale systemic issues, change and improvement is a slow process. 

So we looked at what we could do here and now, and created the Hilo Early Learning Career Pathways Project. We are a community-based initiative - a partnership among Hawaiʻi Community College, Hawaiʻi DOE, Kamehameha Schools, and  Friends of the Future. Our goal is to build capacity and create opportunity so our youngest keiki, as well as those about to graduate from high school, are set up to thrive.

 
 

How it Works

High school juniors and seniors can earn credits toward a Certificate of Competence from Hawai’i CC’s Early Childhood Education program while they work toward high school graduation.

Each student who completes the Hilo ELCP Program will: 

  • Finish 3 Hawaiʻi Community College Courses in Early Childhood Education over the course of 3 semesters, for a total of 9 credits

  • Intern at a local preschool with the potential of receiving a work stipend

  • Complete first aid and CPR training and DHS background check

And can qualify for the following credentials: 

  • Hawaiʻi Community College Early Childhood Education Certificate of Competence. The 9 credits can apply toward:

    • Executive Office on Early Learning/Pre Kindergarten Educational Assistant qualification

    • Assistant Teacher qualification

  • Receive support to qualify for a National Child Development Associate Credential

The ELCP Project provides all of this to students free of charge - for a total value of $4,500.

“I am able to learn so much about the career I want before I even go to college. [ELCP] provides me with real experience and certification in the field that I wouldn’t be able to get otherwise... [and] prepares me for what I want to do after high school.”

— M.P. ELCP Student

Our Team

Tonya Baybayan - Early Learning Career Pathway Project Coordinator

  • Early Learning Career Pathway Project Coordinator

    Ms. Baybayan started her career in early education by earning her Associate of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education. Ms. Baybayan’s experience and credentials also include a Special/Inclusive Education Certificate of Competence-Leeward Community College; 15 years of experience in the Early Childhood Education field in public preschools, private preschools, and the Big Island Head Start programs; and over 20 years of experience in the DOE as an Educational Assistant. Ms. Baybayan also has 10 years experience as a high school coach. She is now the mother of three and enjoys crafting, planning family events, and traveling!

Brenda Watanabe - Assistant Professor, Early Childhood Education Hawaii CC


  • Assistant Professor, Early Childhood Education Hawaiʻi CC

    Ms. Watanabe has 35 years experience in Early Childhood Education and Care. Her credentials include a Child Development Credential (CDA); AS in Human Services/Child Development, Honolulu CC 1990; BS in Early Childhood Education, Chaminade University; and a Master's in Education concentration Early Childhood Education, Chaminade University, 2005. She has designed and implemented statewide community -based training programs that meet professional development requirements, and participates in various education and advocacy groups dedicated to creating a comprehensive system of support for the early childhood education workforce. Ms. Watanabe takes great pride in watching her students grow from seedlings seeking nourishment and light into majestic trees guiding and protecting our keiki. Her vision and goal is for all young keiki to have access to quality education and care.


  • Strategy Consultant, Kamehameha Schools

    Ms. Rosehill holds a Master’s in Education with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. Her biggest accomplishment is being a mother. Ms. Rosehill’s vision for the project is to develop a sustainable pathway for young people to enter into careers in early childhood education in order to increase access to quality early learning experiences for East Hawaiʻi’s keiki.

 


  • Assistant Professor, Hawaiʻi CC Early Childhood Instructional Program and ECE Co-Coordinator

    Ms. Smith found her life’s calling in early childhood education. She holds a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from Chaminade University of Honolulu and a MEd from UH Hilo. Through her career, Ms. Smith has established three new schools - a Montessori Primary Lab School at Chaminade University, a K-5 Charter School in Volcano, and an Inclusion Preschool at a DOE public elementary school. Her vision for ELCP is to provide a solid foundation for the next generation of early childhood educators by offering high school students the opportunity to explore the field. She hopes this pilot project could become a model both state and nation-wide. Ms. Smith has lived off-grid in the Olaʻa Rainforest for thirty years and loves gardening, hiking, reading, and Hay Day!

Sheila Ann Dagarag - HIDOE, Career and Technical Education East Hawai’i District Resource Teacher


  • HIDOE, CTE (Career and Technical Education) East Hawaiʻi District Resource Teacher

    Ms. Dagarag studied at UH Manoa and earned a Bachelors of Secondary Education in Family Consumer Sciences. Her greatest accomplishment is seeing all the great things her former students have accomplished for themselves and the community over the years, while also raising her own child and supporting him to do the same. Her goal in being a part of ELCP is to bring awareness to the importance of early learning, as well as raising the level of prestige and value associated with careers in education.

 

 Get Involved

Open to current high school juniors at Hilo High, Waiakea High, Kea’au High, Kau High, Pahoa High, Honokaa High and Ke Kula ʻo Nāwahīokalaniʻōpuʻu Lab Public Charter School

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