About us
our story
Mālamapōkiʻi is a licensed family-based early childhood program offering a high quality, developmentally appropriate program that fosters both independence and socialization in a stimulating, safe, and caring environment of aloha. Founded in 2001 by the Kanu o ka Āina Learning ʻOhana (KALO), it currently serves keiki from three to five years of age, providing a place where children and families are nurtured together.
The preschool program is designed to honor the unique learning styles of Native Hawaiian children in order to provide a direct connection to their cultural identity, traditional customs and practices, the language of their ancestors, and their ʻāina. Hawaiian values and practices are embedded within an integrated curriculum that is based on early childhood theories, standards and practices. The curriculum addresses the child’s cultural development, social-emotional development, language and literacy development, cognitive development and physical and motor development. Kumu from both the preschool and elementary program collaborate to ensure a seamless transition for keiki from Mālamapōkiʻi into the regular school’s Hawaiian focused curriculum. Staff members are experienced educators with strong ties to the Waimea community. Parent and family involvement is an integral component of the program.
MISSION, VISION and VALUES
Mālamapōkiʻi Mission Statement
Mālamapōkiʻi Vision Statement
Mālamapōkiʻi provides keiki of Waimea and neighboring communities with opportunities to be immersed in a culturally-driven, family-oriented, community-based, developmentally appropriate learning environment. At Mālamapōkiʻi we are dedicated to helping keiki develop into confident individuals who are keenly aware of their sense of self and who are knowledgeable about their culture, language, and place. Integrated with a curriculum that centers on early childhood developmental theories, standards, and practices, Mālamapōkiʻi incorporates the values and traditions of the Hawaiian people into daily activities and provides a safe, nurturing place of learning for keiki, their parents, and community.
E kupu mai ana, oho a lau
No nā mea ma lalo, he mea māmalu
Pā mai ka lā, iho mai ka ua
Ulu nō.
Sprouting forth, until leaves form
A protector for all things below
The sun shines and the rain falls
Indeed Growth
A baby grows and becomes a young child
For these young children, we provide a caring place
A nurturing and loving environment
Where children will grow and prosper
Our Values
Kanu o ka ʻĀina Learning ʻOhana embrace values that are rooted in ancient Hawaiian values based on five ʻŌlelo Noʻeau that guide our school community:
Aloha kekahi i kekahi
Love one another
Mālama i kou kuleana
Take care of your responsibilities
Kūlia i ka nuʻu
Strive to reach the summit/highest
Kōkua aku kōkua mai
Give help, receive help
Mahalo i ka mea loaʻa
Be thankful for what we have
