February 3, 2024
Maui Economic Opportunity’s Lahaina Head Start site, the city’s preschool that was spared from the Aug. 8 wildfires, reopened Thursday after extensive cleanups, repairs, renovations and fitness and protection clearances.
A blessing, led through Makalapua Kanuha, was held on Tuesday morning at the site next to Princess Nahienaena Primary School. About 20 other people attended, in addition to Lori Tsuhako, Maui County’s director of Housing and Human Affairs, and Wendy Ellis of the Federal Administration. for Children and Families, as well as the administration, staff, and board members of the MOE.
The salt in his bowl “represents preservation, purification,” Kanuha told the group. “They are symbols. They are representations of life, to maintain the life of our keiki and kumu in this area.
Tsuhako considers the reopening of the center “hopeful” and highlighted the recovery of 20 preschools out of the 275 lost in the wildfires.
Head Start currently has about a dozen 3- and 4-year-olds enrolled, so it will settle for more kids. Many students and families before the wildfires moved to other parts of the island, and some to other Head Starts as well as off-island.
The federally-funded program provides comprehensive early childhood education services to families that meet federal poverty income guidelines and selection criteria. Preference is given to foster and homeless children.
The program also begins enrolling youth for the 2024-25 school year beginning Thursday, Feb. 1, when programs will be available. Forms can be completed online at meoinc. org (go to the “Quick Links” section).
For more information, contact the MEO Head Start office at (808) 2four9-2988. Hours of operation are 7:15 a. m. to 4 p. m. m. , Monday through Friday, federal and national holidays.
MEO Head Start is also for lead teachers at the Lahaina and Kihei sites. The positions, which require at least one Child Development Associate designation, pay up to $24. 50 per hour, depending on qualifications.
For more information, call (808) 243-4310, email [email protected] or go to www.meoinc.org (and click on the “Careers” tab) to fill out an application.
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