HCAP WEEKLY September 7, 2026

Practicing Traffic Safety with Head Start Keiki

Pedestrian safety is a very important lesson for young learners; however, not many people are aware of it or even know where to start when teaching their child about it. These lessons are critical for preschoolers because young children are developmentally unequipped to navigate traffic safely on their own. Their small size makes them invisible to drivers, while their brains are not yet able to judge vehicle distance or speed. Therefore, early education is vital to instill life-saving habits before they ever step near a roadway. At Head Start, teachers have put a creative spin on teaching pedestrian safety, helping children use their imaginations to learn. 

Using chalk, a stop/go sign, and other play equipment, the children practiced stopping at marked crosswalks, walking across when appropriate, and checking for oncoming traffic. These skills helped the children build spatial awareness as they mapped their physical surroundings, practiced measuring distance, and enhanced their executive function with impulse control and matching actions to cues. Pedestrian Safety lessons foster interpersonal safety as they teach children to form direct eye contact with drivers and build early understanding of non-verbal communication, mutual awareness, and safety cooperation. These early lessons lay the foundation for lifelong safety habits. With guidance, practice, and imagination, children learn to navigate their surroundings with growing confidence and care.

Click here to learn more about Head Start.

Leahi ECS Participant Pursues Healthcare Career Dreams Through ECS

Ducksoo’s interest in healthcare developed through his volunteer experience at a hospital while he was in high school. Being exposed to working in a healthcare setting gave him an opportunity to learn more about the field and strengthened his desire to gain hands-on experience. Ducksoo recognized the value of obtaining practical healthcare training that would complement his future educational goals. 

As a partner of HCAP, Hawaii Medical College (HMC) referred Ducksoo, who was interested in their Nurse Aide certification program, to HCAP’s Leahi District Service Center for assistance. Ducksoo found barriers to achieving his goal, including needing assistance with affording the Nurse Aide vocational training program. With the help of Leahi staff, Ducksoo enrolled in HCAP’s Nā Lima Hana Employment Core Services (ECS) for tuition assistance. Through ECS, he also completed Job Readiness Training. Once he applied and was approved for tuition assistance, he was able to enroll in the Nurse Aide Program, which he has now successfully completed and earned his certificate.

Reflecting on his journey, Ducksoo shared, “My experience in the [Nurse Aide] program was very enjoyable and rewarding. Through this program, I gained more confidence in my skills and became even more interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. As a student, the training assistance provided by HCAP helped me pursue my certification without having to worry as much about the financial cost. With their support, I was able to successfully complete the program and take an important step toward achieving my future career goals in healthcare.”

The Leahi District Service Center is proud to have supported Ducksoo in completing his training and wishes him continued success as he pursues his education to build a rewarding career in healthcare.

Click here to learn more about Nā Lima Hana. 

An Open House to Celebrate the Start of STEM at Ka’a’awa Elementary School

This month at Windward STEM Exploration Center, Hā Initiative: Creative STEM After-School Program prepared for the opening of the STEM classroom at Kaʻaʻawa Elementary School. During the Open House event, they hosted a booth where families had the opportunity to learn more about HCAP and Hā Initiative. Families were also able to enroll their students and receive information about other available HCAP resources. In addition, families enjoyed participating in a cognitive game and other engaging activities at the booth. The event provided a great opportunity for families to connect with HCAP, learn about the STEM program, and get ready for the new school year. Overall, the Open House was a successful event that helped build connections between HCAP, students, families, and the school community.

Click here to learn more about Hā Initiative.