🌟 IMSPARK: Economic Well-being for Hawaii's Children!

 🌟 IMSPARK: Economic Well-being for Hawaii's Children! 🌟

🔹1️⃣ Imagined Endstate: Imagine a future in Hawaii where child care costs are affordable, enabling families to thrive economically and children to receive quality early education, laying the foundation for their future success.

🔹2️⃣ Link: https://www.staradvertiser.com/2023/06/11/hawaii-news/hawaii-is-44th-in-nation-for-keiki-economic-well-being/

🔹3️⃣ Source:

Annie E. Casey Foundation. (2023). https://www.aecf.org/resources/2023-kids-count-data-book

🔹4️⃣ What's the Big Deal:

The high child care and preschool costs in Hawaii have led to a decline in the economic well-being of children, pushing the state to the 44th position among the 50 states in the Kids Count Data Book report. With child care expenses being among the nation's highest, many parents struggle to afford it, limiting access to quality care and putting financial strain on families. This, in turn, forces parents, particularly women, to leave the workforce, hampering their economic opportunities. However, the implementation of the Ready Keiki preschool initiative offers hope for a brighter future. By providing access to affordable preschool options for all 3- and 4-year-olds in Hawaii, this initiative aims to alleviate the burden on families, promote equal opportunities for early education, and uplift the overall economic well-being of Hawaii's children and families. It is an opportunity to create a stronger future where all families can thrive, and children can reach their full potential.