GOVERNOR PROMOTES EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

March 3 - Governor Lingle emphasized the importance of early childhood education at a dedication ceremony for Seagull Schools’ new facility in `Ewa Beach.  "Before children can learn STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills, they need basic foundation for learning," Governor Lingle said. "The first five years shape how a child learns and ensure they are ready to enter kindergarten, ready to learn."  In 2005, the state provided a $1 million grant-in-aid to help fund the school, along with another Seagull campus in Ko Olina, to address the growing need for early childhood education opportunities in West O`ahu.