Keiki Get A Head Start For School

By MiChelle Chavis
Wednesday - May 12, 2010 Share

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By MiChelle Chavis, Program Coordinator
‘Ekolu ‘Eha ‘Ike Pono

‘Ekolu ‘Eha ‘Ike Pono (EEIP) is a collaborative project funded by Aloha United Way and provided under the direction of Learning Disabilities Association of Hawaii.

We began in 2009 as a pilot project reaching out to 3- and 4-year-old children and their families in the WaianaeNanakuli area.

This year we are expanding the project into other areas of Oahu, as funding allows.

Our screening associates provide free developmental, social, emotional, and hearing and vision screenings to improve school readiness for children entering kindergarten. Parents are provided free training and information about the screenings, developmental milestones and preparing their child for school.

If a child is referred from the screening, our case manager will help the parent obtain further evaluation and other support or service that may be needed.

Four-year-old Gavin and mom Celia (center) are both ready to start kindergarten thanks to services provided by ‘Ekolu ‘Eha ‘Ike Pono and screening associate Melissa Kanae (right)

When Gavin was 3 years old, he was identified as having a vision problem by our screening associate. Our case manager helped his mom, Celia, arrange for further assessment, and our parent educator gave Celia helpful information regarding her son and his needs.

Gavin now sports a handsome pair of glasses that match his outgoing personality. He’s currently 4 years old and will be entering kindergarten in the fall. When asked, “Are you ready for kindergarten?” Gavin replies, “Yep, I’m ready for Makaha Elementary.”

Please join us at EEIP’s inaugural Keiki Health Fair on Thursday, May 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Ka’aha’aina Dining Hall on the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center campus. Bring your 3- and 4-year-old to be screened at this event.

For more information about ‘Ekolu ‘Eha ‘Ike Pono, go to our Web site, www.ldahawaii.org, or call 696-5361.

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