Pūnana Leo Hi‘i Pēpē
Native Speaker Infant & Toddler Language Nests
Currently in development, Hi‘i Pēpē is an infant and toddler program that aims to support families who are committed to ‘Ōlelo Hawai‘i first language use in their homes. It is for families who raise first language speakers of Hawaiian and is in line with the ‘APL mission, “E ola ka ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i” the Hawaiian language shall live. Enrollment preference will be given to households where ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i is the primary living language.
Curriculum and activities are based around the Kumu Honua Mauli Ola Hawai‘i educational philosophy, the Hawaiian language as well as current developmental strategies.
As research shows, a child who starts to learn in an educational environment and who experiences activities that enhance cognitive development and personal growth will increase his/her access to other quality learning environments. We believe children who start in the Hi‘i Pēpē Infant Program as early as six-weeks of age will be better prepared for all facets of Hawaiian Medium Education from early childhood education to post-secondary education.
The Pūnana Leo Hi‘i Pēpē pilot program is currently being implemented on the Nāwahīokalani‘ōpu‘u School Complex in Kea‘au, Hawai‘i. In August 2006, Pūnana Leo o Hilo Hi‘i Pēpē began servicing infants and toddlers in the full-day program.