Background
Countdown to Kindergarten celebrates and supports children who are transitioning into kindergarten. Kindergarten is a significant educational and developmental milestone for children and their families, and the transition into kindergarten can often be a confusing and stressful time for families. The goal of this program is to help ease that transition and to get children excited about their first day of school.
Who We Are
The Children’s Discovery Center provides a hands-on interactive learning environment designed to inspire the young and “young-at-heart” to new heights of learning and discovery. The Discovery Center is committed to working with the community to develop partnerships that empower children, as well as their parents, who are the child’s primary teachers.
Our Sponsor
Countdown to Kindergarten is sponsored by Servco Toyota’s On Board for Education program. The mission of On Board for Education is to support teachers and students by putting school supplies directly into the hands of teachers and students across Hawaii.
The Program
The program consists of two components. The first is a partnership with the
INPEACE Keiki Steps program to provide free school supplies and services to children who are enrolled in their program and who also live on the Waianae Coast.
INPEACE’s Keiki Steps program is a school readiness program that services Native Hawaiian children living on the Waianae Coast to help them in their transition into kindergarten. Children participating in the Keiki Steps program generally have no preschool experience and are at the greatest risk for being unprepared to enter kindergarten.
The second component is an “I’m going to kindergarten” celebration at the Children’s Discovery Center. All children entering kindergarten will be invited and will receive discounted admission to the Center as well as be able to participate in special activities on this day. The date for this event is scheduled for July 21st. As part of this celebration, we are looking for organizations that serve young children who could be a resource to parents on school readiness issues as well as organizations that provide services to parents with school age children. As a participant, we are asking that your organization provide resources by way of informational brochures or handouts about school readiness issues, or about the services that you offer to families with young children. If you would also like to provide a hands-on activity for children that is more than welcome.
How You Can Participate
To participate please fill out the attached form and E-mail or fax it to the Discovery Center at the address and fax number below. We hope that you will join us in this important school readiness initiative that only has room to grow and expand in future years. In order to print the necessary promotional materials, we would like to request a reply from your business by June 1st. Below, please find contact information should you have any questions regarding this program.
Contact Information
Liane Usher
Director of Exhibits and Programs
Children’s Discovery Center
111 Ohe St.
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: 808-524-5437 x23
Fax: 808-524-5400
liane@discoverycenterhawaii.org
Press Release
