Media Advisory: UH Mānoa to announce new early childhood education degree

Media planning to attend are asked to RSVP to Dan Meisenzahl (news@hawaii.edu) and Shari Nishijima (shari.nishijima@hawaii.gov) by Friday, February 7 at 10 a.m.

WHAT: The University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa College of Education, in partnership with Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, will hold a joint press conference to announce the launch of a new UH Mānoa Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) program starting in fall 2025 and to highlight the March 1 application deadline.

WHY: To address the critical need for qualified pre-K teachers as the Ready Keiki initiative, led by Lt. Gov. Luke, expands early childhood education access across the state.

WHEN: Friday, February 7, 1 p.m.

WHERE:

UH Mānoa Children’s Center

2320 Dole Street

Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96822

WHO: 

• Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke
• Wendy Hensel, University of Hawai‘i President
• Nathan Murata, UH Mānoa College of Education Dean
• Yuuko Arikawa-Cross, Hawai‘i Executive Office on Early Learning Director
• Valley Varma, a teacher at the UH Mānoa Children’s Center and graduate of UH Mānoa’s early childhood education master’s program

ADDITIONAL INFO:

• The new degree program is designed to address the growing demand for qualified pre-K teachers by creating a streamlined pathway for students pursuing careers in early childhood education, ensuring Hawai‘i’s youngest learners benefit from high-quality educators.
• The curriculum aligns with national standards, ensuring graduates meet national benchmarks for high-quality teaching. 
• Grounded in Hawai‘i’s unique cultural and educational landscape, the program integrates community input to address local needs.
• The program offers a full-time schedule with evening classes in a hybrid statewide format.
• Graduates will be recommended for a Hawai‘i early childhood teaching license for preschool through third grade.