HCAP WEEKLY August 30, 2021

HCAP Head Start Classrooms Closed Until Further Notice

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve in Hawaiʻi, nationally, and globally, the Honolulu Community Action Program, Inc. (HCAP) will continue to make proactive decisions that are based on the well-being and safety of our children, families, employees, and communities we serve.

During the summer months of June and July 2021, HCAP Head Start & Early Head Start offered in-person learning at 44 classrooms across Oʻahu. During that period, there were zero positive or close contact COVID-19 cases in our classrooms.  

Utilizing the same precautions and procedures instituted during the summer, HCAP Head Start & Early Head Start began the 2021-2022 school year on August 4, 2021, continuing to provide a safe learning environment for the students. However, during the past few weeks where we have seen significant increases in positive COVID-19 case counts across the island, and despite maintaining our high standards of health and safety precautions, the program has been severely challenged in keeping COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 close contact cases to a minimum. Despite all of the safety measures taken in response to the positive and close contact cases, we have had to temporarily close 33 of our 76 classrooms to date. Many of these classroom closures are the result of COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 close contact cases directly involving our Head Start students and families in their lives outside of the classroom.

Based on this recent experience, all HCAP Head Start classrooms will unfortunately be closed effective September 1, 2021 until further notice dependent upon community conditions and status of the COVID-19 situation.

HCAP understands the vital role early education plays in the overall well-being of children, families, and communities. However, our priority as an agency has always been the health and safety of everyone involved in our programs, which is why we have decided to close our classrooms and home-based services for the time being. Please be assured that HCAP Head Start & Early Head Start staff will continue to provide educational activities, resources, and support to all of the students and families we serve via Zoom, Google Slides, telephone contacts, USPS and other means of remote communication and engagement.

HCAP Quarterly Out Now!

We’re excited to share the April – June 2021 issue of Kuʻi Nā Lono: Spread the News. Featuring these stories and more:

• Journey to Recovery: HCAP Client Finds Employment, Maintains Sobriety, and Regains Her Confidence
• Single Mother Works Toward Self-Sufficiency Following Pandemic Job Loss
• Hā Initiative Students Dissect Crayfish!

Click Here to Download the April – June Quarterly

Click Here to View Past Quarterly Newsletters

HCAP Staff Participate in Results-Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) Training

Recently, HCAP staff participated in a three day introductory training on Results-Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA), which was arranged by the State of Hawaiʻi Office of Community Services (OCS). ROMA is a set of practices and principles created for Community Action Agencies as a framework for continuous growth and improvement. The ROMA approach emphasizes the outcomes of agency activities, and how agencies can be most effective at achieving their community improvement goals by focusing on the results of services rather than just the delivery of services.

During the three Introduction to ROMA training sessions, nationally certified ROMA trainer Dr. PJ Davis guided staff from HCAP and other Hawaiʻi Community Action Agencies through the history, importance, and implementation of ROMA. The interactive sessions allowed staff to listen and ask questions, complete various written activities, and work together in small groups all via Zoom webinar. To close the third day, participants shared logic models they had created with the group and received feedback from Dr. Davis. Those who completed all three sessions then received a Certificate of Completion. 

Educational training opportunities like the Introduction to ROMA help HCAP staff who serve in various roles, programs, and locations on the island to better understand the agency’s mission and how best to serve the local community. We would like to thank OCS and Dr. Davis for providing this great opportunity for our staff.