Twenty-seven schools statewide will be holding Keiki Steps to Kindergarten, a program to help young children adjust to the kindergarten setting. The Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture (INPEACE) has announced open registration for children ages 4 and 5.

Keiki Steps to Kindergarten is a free, two- or three-week program that runs Monday through Friday for three hours per day; program dates and times may vary from school to school. The program helps to familiarize students and their families with the school environment. The children learn the basic rules and procedures of the classroom setting as well as familiarize and socialize with teachers and classmates before other students arrive on campus.

Participating schools on çOahu include Kamaile Academy, Mäkaha Elementary, Nänäkuli Elementary School, Hauçula Elementary, Kaçaçawa Elementary, and many more. For the most recent list of participating schools go to www.inpeace-hawaii.org.

The goal of the program is to prevent the young ones from feeling overwhelmed with their new environment. Children without any preschool experience are given highest priority.

Those who are interested in Keiki Steps to Kindergarten should contact their elementary school or INPEACE at 693-7222.