An early childhood learning and parenting/caregiver support program for ‘ohana with young keiki offered by nonprofit Partners in Development Foundation during the 2025-26 academic year at locations around Kaua‘i will again be available during the 2026-27 school year.
All Tūtū and Me Traveling Preschool sites around the Garden Isle that operated last school year will reopen, ensuring continued access to culturally grounded, family-centered early learning services for Kauaʻi keiki and their ʻohana.
Sites in Anahola, Kapaʻa and Hanapēpē will open their doors as usual during the 2026-27 school year, with a fourth Kauaʻi location under development. They are designed as welcoming spaces where families are supported, children are nurtured and Native Hawaiian values and traditions guide the learning experience.
“Our keiki are the heart of our community, and Tūtū and Me reminds us what’s possible when we come together for our youngest learners and their ʻohana,” said Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami in a release about the sites reopening.
Kawakami thanked Partners in Development Foundation, Hawaiʻi Senate President Ron Kouchi of Kauaʻi, partners in philanthropy “and most of all, the families who spoke up for these programs.”
Partners in Development Foundation recognizes the support, outreach and heartfelt stories from many Tūtū and Me Kauaʻi families and community members that helped elevate the importance of its early childhood services.
“Grounding our children in the values, language and traditions that make Kauaʻi home is some of the most important work we can do together, and I’m grateful these sites will be there to welcome families back,” Kawakami said.
Partners in Development Foundation extends its sincere mahalo to Kouchi, Kawakami, Kauaʻi County Council members and the Chan Zuckerberg Kauaʻi Community Fund of Hawaiʻi Community Foundation for supporting and sustaining Tūtū and Me services on the island.
Their shared commitment to Kauaʻi families helps ensure keiki and caregivers continue to have access to early learning experiences rooted in Native Hawaiian values, culture and traditions.
The foundation thanks Kouchi for also providing a forum to describe the challenging financial landscape the early childhood education program faced, threatening its closure following last school year.
“We are deeply grateful for the leadership and generosity that made this reopening possible,” said Partners in Development Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Shawn Kanaʻiaupuni in the reopening release. “This is great news for our Kauaʻi ʻohana and staff who serve them. It reflects what can happen when community, government, philanthropy and families come together around a shared commitment to keiki.”
Kanaʻiaupuni said the foundation looks forward to welcoming families back “with aloha, mālama and lots of excitement.”
Families can expect the same heart of Partners in Development Foundation’s early childhood learning:
- Hawaiian culture and values woven into lessons.
- Circle time with music, stories and movement.
- Learning centers for keiki from birth to age 5.
- Opportunities for caregivers to learn and play alongside their keiki.
Tūtū and Me strengthens the role of parents and caregivers as a child’s first and most important teachers while building connection, community and school readiness.
“This past season has been a challenging one, requiring flexibility, patience and understanding from our Kauaʻi ʻohana,” Kanaʻiaupuni said. “Their trust and continued support mean the world to us. We are honored to continue walking alongside families and supporting Kauaʻi’s youngest learners.”
