Hawaii Senate Bill SR202

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/16/22

Caption

Urging The Department Of Education To Report To The Legislature Regarding The Amount Of Public School Space Available To Be Used For Preschool Classrooms And The Number Of Public School Teachers Certified To Teach Early Childhood Education.

Impact

This resolution comes in the context of significant challenges faced by the preschool education system in Hawaii, especially due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which saw a marked decline in enrollment. By gathering data on public school spaces and the workforce qualified to teach early childhood education, the resolution aims to address unmet needs in preschool education. The findings from the Department of Education's report could potentially pave the way for legislative actions aimed at expanding preschool opportunities and improving education resources for at-risk students.

Summary

Senate Resolution 202 urges the Hawaii Department of Education to provide a comprehensive report to the legislature on the availability of public school space for preschool classrooms as well as an analysis of the number of certified teachers in early childhood education. The resolution emphasizes the critical role that early childhood education plays in the development of children and highlights the substantial social and economic benefits of investing in quality preschool programs. Evidence indicates that every dollar spent in early education can save taxpayers several times that amount in future costs associated with remedial education and social services.

Contention

While the resolution appears to be a step toward enhancing early childhood education, it reflects broader themes of state responsibility in educational readiness and equipped workforces. Some may argue that defining educational priorities at the state level must not overshadow local control over educational programs, particularly as schools strive to meet community-specific needs. As the report is requested to include recommendations for potential legislation, there may be discussions regarding the adequacy of state resources versus local initiatives for preschool education.