MANOA, Hawaii (KHON2) — A new degree option at the University of Hawaii at Manoa will expand the knowledge of childhood educator candidates and help reverse the effects of a critical shortage across the state.

Starting in fall 2025, future educators can finish their undergraduate years with a Bachelor of Education in Early Childhood Care and Education.

The program aims to give candidates the knowledge and experience to “nurture and guide children from birth through age eight.”

UH hopes the addition of the program will expand early learning access statewide and could help separate early childhood education from the Kindergarten through 8th-grade track.

“This new program reflects our dedication to supporting children, families and communities by ensuring a well-prepared workforce that understands the importance of early learning and care,” said UH Manoa College of Education Dean Nathan Murata.

The initiative also aligns with the Ready Keiki initiative, led by Lt. Governor Sylvia Luke, which aims to create more than 400 classrooms islandwide.

I am incredibly excited for the students of this new program to be able to learn about early childhood from infancy through the early elementary school years through the lens of both education and care, both of which are fundamental aspects of working with Hawaiʻi keiki and families.

Valley Varma, UH Mānoa Children’s Center teacher

Graduates of the program will be recommended for an early childhood teaching license for preschool through third grade.

Candidates can participate under a full-time, hybrid schedule with evening classes.

Those interested in the program should apply before the March 1 deadline. More information can be found on UH Manoa’s College of Education website.