PDG Birth-5 Systems Building Grant - Hawaii seeks to strengthen and unify its early childhood system by addressing the needs identified in the 2024 Comprehensive Needs Assessment and the updated 2025–2030 Early Childhood State Plan. The proposed PDG B-5 funded outcome strategies will focus on: (1) Completion of the Revised 2026 Hawaii Early Learning and Development Standards; (2) Adoption of Professional Standards and Competencies for Early Childhood Educators; (3) Strengthening Infant and Early Childhood Behavioral Health Supports; (4) Targeting Kindergarten Transition Resource and Outreach; and (5) the use of an Early Childhood System Building Block Network – a key step in continuing to prioritize a locally driven and comprehensive approach, broaden participation, and build momentum through implementation. The Building Block Network will expand participation to include early childhood educators, Head Start and Early Head Start programs, public and private child care providers, healthcare organizations, philanthropic partners, business and workforce development entities, policymakers, and Hawaii’s families. As participation expands and more partners engage, the Building Block Network will strengthen alignment, enhance coordination, and increase collective impact—ensuring that multiple perspectives inform and sustain systemwide improvement.
