Preschool

Preschool

logoWailuku Hongwanji Mission established its preschool in 1962 to provide care and guidance for the children of the Wailuku Hongwanji members, and to introduce and promote an understanding of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. The first class included about ten children. The preschool is now open to the general public and operates year-round, with an enrollment of about 45 children and a qualified staff including a director, certified early childhood teachers, and teachers’ aides. The preschool continues to serve the families of temple members and the general public by providing a quality program in early childhood education, and allowing working parents to meet the economic needs of their families.

The goals of the preschool are to provide an enriching early childhood program that will provide an environment in which children are able to learn and grow emotionally, socially, and cognitively to their fullest potential. The staff strives to provide a happy, positive, loving, and safe environment to help all children to become enthusiastic, self-confident, and inquisitive learners through developmentally appropriate practices and activities. The preschool provides a foundation for learning through play.

The preschool’s slogan is “We’re Making Tomorrow.” Wailuku Hongwanji Preschool has been serving the community and “making tomorrows” for over 50 years and looks forward to continuing to serve our community and future generations to come.

1940s

Following the end of World War II in the mid-1940s, efforts to provide childcare for temple members began. Mrs. Edith Izumi started a nursery, but due to a lack of enrollment, the nursery closed after a few years.

1950s

Mrs. Alice Tokunaga served as director of Tot Town. When she accepted a teaching job with the Department of Education, the nursery closed due to lack of teachers.

1962

Wailuku Hongwanji Mission officially established this preschool in 1962. Mrs. Sylvia Ishikawa served as the first preschool director. When Mrs. Ishikawa went on leave, Mrs. Teruko Ballinger served as acting director, with Mrs. Carolyn Hozaki as an assistant.

1964

Mrs. Nancy P.C. Oishi became director of the preschool and served for 28 years.

1970

The preschool hired Mrs. Karen Yoshida as a certified teacher and taught for 22 years. When Mrs. Oishi retired in 1992, Mrs. Yoshida took over and served as director until her retirement in the spring of 2019.

2021

We welcomed a new director, Ms. Jody Vinoray to our ohana.

Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday: 07:30am - 04:30pm
Regular Session: August to May
Summer Session: June to July

We close during public school holidays and breaks, except teachers’ institute day and teachers’ end-of-semester day.
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News

CLASS OF 2023

This month, teachers will be talking about careers and community helpers.

L * O * V * E

This month, teachers will be talking about careers and community helpers.

The Year of the Rabbit

This month, teachers will be talking about careers and community helpers.

Meals

Due to DOH guidelines during the COVID-19 crisis, we are not currently serving meals.

Key Elements

  • Daily small group instruction with emphasis on readiness skills and social skills for all children
  • Parent conferences
  • “I am special” albums and photo albums
  • Year-end get-together and children’s performances

Facilities

Our spacious facilities include a 4,500-square foot building with a 600-square foot lanai, and an 11,000-square foot fenced playground including a large play structure. Our facilities are located on Kaniela Street across from the temple.
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Contact Information

Please contact us during our normal business hours.
Monday - Friday,  07:30am - 04:30pm
Address
144 KANIELA ST
WAILUKU HI 96793
Phone
808-244-9545
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As the Community Temple, we are here to serve both temple members and non-members alike. We are today, a 21st century organization