HCAP WEEKLY May 11, 2026

HCAP Head Start Supporting Teacher Development

Delivering the highest quality of education and developmental care for early childhood is a priority for HCAP Head Start and Early Head Start. This is why the program offers its teaching staff the opportunity to further their education and professional development in order to reach a higher level of qualification in the classroom. The Office of Head Start offers its Assistant Teachers the opportunity to fulfill roles as permanent Teachers in the face of teaching staff shortages through being granted teacher waivers. Furthermore, HCAP Head Start may offer tuition assistance to earn a degree in Early Childhood Education to its Teaching staff at their request.

Recently, two Assistant Teachers from HCAP Head Start received teacher waivers from the Office of Head Start and are simultaneously pursuing degrees in Early Childhood Development. 

Candace Harris is an Assistant Teacher with a Teacher waiver obtaining an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education at the University of Arizona Global Campus. She previously was able to obtain her Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials and attend ContinuED classes with the help of tuition assistance from Head Start. At her previous role as a Substitute Teacher, Candace was able to work at the Head Start Kunia I classroom frequently. She expressed that working with the lead teacher, Mrs. Susan motivated her and taught her the responsibilities of both an Assistant Teacher and a Teacher, invited her to sit in on meetings, showed her the necessary paperwork, and encouraged her to join the HCAP team.

Candace expressed how much Mrs. Susan’s guidance and her time working at Kunia I inspired her to pursue “a career change that would support both [her] professional and personal growth.” The positive experience prompted Candace’s decision to join the HCAP team. Her long-time passion for working with children and learning more about Head Start’s mission to support children, families, and the community, she felt that pursuing this new path was her calling. As a Teacher, Candace shares, “The program offers so many opportunities for professional growth, and I feel supported as I continue working toward becoming a teacher. I’m looking forward to creating a warm, structured, and engaging classroom environment where every child feels seen, valued, and capable. I’m excited to take on more leadership, apply everything I’ve learned, and continue growing in this field. Most of all, I look forward to making a positive impact on children’s early learning experiences and supporting families as partners in their child’s development.”

Lenell Solomon-Cervante is also an Assistant Teacher with a Teacher waiver on a journey to obtaining an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education at the University of Arizona Global Campus. She worked as a Lead Teacher and Assistant Teacher for many years but Lenell joined the Head Start program because she was inspired by the program’s commitment to early childhood development, inclusion, and community support. Lenell shared, “I love what I do. I am a passionate teacher who looks forward to helping my students grow and develop in the classroom. The Head Start program stands out to me because it focuses not only on education, but also on supporting families and creating a safe environment where every child has the chance to succeed.”

HCAP is looking forward to seeing Candace, Lenell, and all of Head Start’s future assistant teachers grow through this amazing opportunity.

Click here to learn more about Head Start.

HCAP Staff Join the Celebrate Micronesia Festival 2026: Ocean of Peace

On April 25th, The Great Lawn at Bishop Museum hosted this year’s festival celebrating unity in an exchange of language, culture, art, and more, in keeping with the theme – Ocean of Peace. The festival honored rich traditions and contemporary expressions of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Guam, Yap, Chuuk, Pohnpei, Kosrae, Kiribati, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.  

The festival allowed event-goer’s to experience cultural performances, poetry readings and story-telling, music, traditional weaving, hands-on demos, educational booths, food vendors, and even local Micronesian artists and makers. Staff from HCAP’s Head Start, Leahi District Service Center, and Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) were invited to share information about HCAP’s programs with the local community who can benefit from the services.

Artists shared about their art work, inspiration, and their own islands. One of the artists celebrating and showcasing her art was Lissette Yamase representing Chuuk who was previously part of the HCAP ’Ohana. During Lissette’s tenure with HCAP, she served the community at HCAP’s Leahi District Service Center and later as a WAP Specialist. 

Leahi District Service Center Manager, Magdalena Narruhn, expressed, “It was inspiring to see the community and organizations come together to celebrate identity, resilience, and unity. I am grateful to be part of an event that uplifts culture and strengthens community ties.” HCAP would like to extend a mahalo to the Educational and Cultural Consultant Member, Mary Hattori, for inviting HCAP to be a part of this year’s event and staff look forward to being a part of next year’s event as well.

Click here to learn more about HCAP’s Programs and Services.

Windward STEM Students’ Month of Creation and Hand-On Learning in Science

The past month at Hā Initiative’s Windward STEM Exploration Center was packed with hands-on learning and creativity from start to finish. Students explored the fascinating world of animals and how they survive in their natural habitats. Through discussions, activities, and group work, they learned about adaptations, food chains, and the important role each animal plays in its ecosystem. It was exciting to see students make connections between different environments and how animals depend on both their physical traits and surroundings to thrive.

In addition to science learning, students had the opportunity to revamp their STEM shirts with a fun tie-dye project. By expressing their creativity while also learning about patterns, color mixing, and design techniques. Each shirt turned out unique, showing class spirit and pride. Ending the month, students create 3D displays using everyday classroom materials like cardboard boxes, paper, and paint. They worked collaboratively to design and build projects that brought their ideas to life. Encouraging problem solving, teamwork, and innovation, students transformed simple materials into impressive visual displays. Overall, it was a month full of learning, creativity, and meaningful student engagement.

Click here to learn more about Hā Initiative.