0
children were involved in the Keiki Steps Program

A Hawaiian Culture-Based Family-Child Interactive Learning Preschool

Keiki Steps was established to meet the school readiness needs of Native Hawaiian young children and their families in high-poverty communities through increasing their participation in a high-quality early education program that is culturally grounded, standards-based, and literacy-and numeracy-focused.

Upcoming Keiki Steps Events

INPEACE Keiki Steps is a part of the Indigenous Early Learning Collaborative (IELC); with the support of Brazleton Touchpoints Center and First Light Education Project. This collaborative has focused on advancing community-based inquiry and equitable learning opportunities for Native Children & Families. 

0 %
of participants met the majority of the Hawaii State School Readiness Assessment benchmarks
0 %
of the Keiki Steps program alumni of age – who we were able to contact – graduated from high school on time
0 %
of parents indicated that they feel more comfortable at school and know what is expected of their child
0 %
of parents agreed that Keiki Steps had a significant impact on their child’s understanding of Hawaiian culture
0 %
of parents stated that Keiki Steps had a strong, positive impact on their cultural learning, and they have spent time trying to find our more about Hawaiian history, traditions, and customs

Keiki Steps bridges the gap between home and school by creating a parent participation environment that places both children and their parents or caregivers in a classroom setting together. Keiki can learn to socialize and acclimate to a school setting while feeling safe with their parents in new surroundings. Designed to promote children’s development and school readiness through an indigenous lens, Keiki Steps draws upon enduring Hawaiian cultural understandings and traditional Hawaiian cultural practices like moʻokūʻauhau  (genealogy), nohona ʻohana(traditional family systems), oli and mele (chant and song), and haʻi moʻolelo (storytelling traditions) as a way to shape parent and child learning interactions. Keiki Steps educators and families work in partnership to prepare students for school, establish a firm foundation for success in education and life, and build pride and confidence in knowing who they are and where they come from.

“In the year I took Keiki Steps with my two boys I definitely was given the tools to help me become a more successful parent with the `Ohana Talks and ideas of what I can do with the kids. What I love is that they are always learning something new. Love all the singing and songs as well. We still sing all the songs everyday!”
– Keiki Steps Parent

keiki Steps Staff

Kalehua Caceres

Program Director

LeReen Carr

Associate Program Director

Princess Keliipaakaua-Hua

Program Assistant

Deanna Smith

Program Assistant

Noelani Napuelua-Patronis

Oahu Island Coordinator

Courtney Perreira

Kaua‘i Island Coordinator

Chelsea Kamai

Hawai‘i Island Coordinator

Andrea Caday

Site Coordinator

Justiana Kalilimoku

Site Coordinator

Shyla Ohira

Site Coordinator

Alesia Paulos

Site Coordinator

Georgiana Rosa

Site Coordinator

Nicole Sapigao

Site Coordinator

Shanece Kekai Turner

Site Coordinator

Poina‘ole Laurito

Site Coordinator

Ruth Gabaylo

Site Coordinator

Kamalu Kaleiwahea

‘Ohana Advocate

Hazel Nihipali

‘Ohana Advocate

Ashlyn Mole

‘Ohana Advocate

Caylee-Jay Lopes

‘Ohana Advocate

Kiri Lou Halmos-Nakagawa

Ohana Advocate

Sanoe Souza

Teachers Aide / ‘Ohana Advocate

Chrisanta Aguilar

Teachers Aide

Vanessa Tua‘au

Teachers Aide

Kaleolani Keli‘ikoa-Kapololu

Teachers Aide

Kaailee Pacatang

Teachers Aide

Kaihikapu Salanoa

Teachers Aide

Mary Watson

Teachers Aide

Malia Steele

Teachers Aide

Seanne Igne

Teachers Aide

Ku‘uleimakamae Ahquin

Teachers Aide

Theresa Kekawa-Kahili

Teachers Aide

Valvet Bantolina

Teachers Aide

Kawau‘i Perez

Teachers Aide

Elexis Sanborn

Teachers Aide

INPEACE Is Funded Through Personal Donations From People Like You.

INPEACE is a nonprofit organization that relies heavily on grants to fund programs and services that strengthen, support, educate and empower our communities. Through donations, we are able to keep our programs free while providing an incredible asset to our community.