Protecting Culturally Based and Indigenous Child and Family Programs Through the Lens of Hawaiʻi’s Family–Child Interaction Learning (FCIL) Programs

Hawaiʻi is a state marked by tremendous racial, linguistic, and cultural diversity, alongside significant wealth inequities. It is also a national leader in embracing culturally relevant content and language within early care and education systems.

Hawaiʻi’s Family–Child Interaction Learning (FCIL) programs are central to strengthening families and improving early learning outcomes across the islands. Programs such as Tūtū & Me, Ka Paʻalana, Keiki Steps, and Keiki O Ka ‘Āina’s Parent Participation Programs have served as cornerstones of family engagement and early childhood development in Native Hawaiian communities for more than two decades.

FCIL programs primarily serve rural and underserved communities and uniquely integrate culture-based education, workforce development, and wrap-around ʻohana (family) supports. These programs are especially effective in reaching children and families who might otherwise remain outside of formal early learning systems. FCILs also play a critical workforce role by employing many young mothers—allowing them to bring their children to work while receiving training and professional experience—thereby creating meaningful workforce pathways in rural communities.

Today, Hawaiʻi’s FCIL programs are facing a significant funding cliff within the next 12–18 months due to the sunset of key federal and private funding sources. This challenge mirrors what many culturally based programs serving Indigenous children and families are experiencing nationwide. Without coordinated attention and action, the loss of FCIL programs would result in far-reaching community and economic impacts, including job losses and reduced access to early learning opportunities for Native Hawaiian and rural ʻohana.

In response, Kamehameha Schools is working alongside FCIL partners to identify potential national funders and collaborative strategies to sustain this proven model of family engagement, while elevating awareness of the broader threats facing culturally based programs.

Please join the Early Childhood Funders Collaborative (ECFC) and Kamehameha Schools to:

• Hear the FCIL story, including impact data and community reach;
• Learn about the potential consequences of FCIL program closures; and
• Explore strategies and opportunities for partnership or funding alignment at the national level to protect Hawaiʻi’s FCIL programs—and other culturally based programs serving young children and their families.

This event is open to grantmakers, philanthropy infrastructure organizations and funder collaboratives.

Co-sponsored with Early Childhood Funders Collaborative, Kamehameha Schools, Grantmakers for Education and Native Americans in Philanthropy.