Mālamapōki'i, which literally translates to “taking care of younger siblings”, is a family-based early childhood education which was established in 2001.  Mālamapōki' aims to improve educational attainment of native Hawaiian children by providing a nurturing early childhood learning environment in which children and parents can grow together.

As Hawai'i’s first bi-lingual early childhood program, Mālamapōki' honors English, the language spoken in most of the children’s homes and throughout the community, while also providing an opportunity to learn Hawaiian, the mother tongue of our Hawaiian ancestors.  Children hear both Hawaiian and English spoken fluently throughout the day and as a result learn to speak in both languages.

Mālamapōki' is open to keiki who will be four years of age by December 31^st of the current year.  Children are placed in multi-age groupings with kindergarteners.  The instructional program is based on both preschool and kindergarten standards.

Mālamapōki'i advocates parent and family involvement and learning in and from the environment as essential components.  Staff members are experienced educators with strong ties to the Waimea community.

As the initial point of entry to Kanu o ka 'Āina New Century Public Charter School, the staff works closely with elementary teachers to develop a seamless Hawaiian-focused curriculum grounded in a Pedagogy of Aloha that assures that all students are loved and cared for and provided with a solid educational foundation.

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