LIHU‘E — For those wishing to provide “Furlough Friday” activities for the island’s public-school children, one additional hurdle might be state licensing. State Department of Human Services leaders concluded those wishing to organize events for children on the several Fridays
LIHU‘E — For those wishing to provide “Furlough Friday” activities for the island’s public-school children, one additional hurdle might be state licensing.
State Department of Human Services leaders concluded those wishing to organize events for children on the several Fridays the rest of this school year when school is not scheduled for budget-cutting measures might need to be licensed as child-care providers, said Kelly Robinson of the DHS on Kaua‘i.
He made the announcement at a county-sponsored gathering Monday, held in the Lihu‘e Civic Center Mo‘ikeha Building first-floor conference room, for those wishing to provide such programs.
Those wishing to offer programs for children age 4 and older enrolled in private or public schools need to be licensed with the state as child-care facilities under state law, he said.
There are some exclusions and exemptions, but individuals and organizations wishing to get an exclusion or exemption from licensing need to offer proposals stating the nature of the program and reason for requesting the exclusion or exemption, Robinson said.
It normally takes two to three weeks to get licensed if all the necessary paperwork is in place, he said.
The first scheduled furlough day is Friday, Oct. 23.
Bill Arakaki, state Department of Education Kaua‘i superintendent, was on hand with several members of his staff and application forms for use of DOE facilities, and said school principals have the final say of what programs would and would not be allowed on campus during furlough days.
“Be prudent with who you hire,” make sure hires aren’t detrimental to the organization, and don’t hire criminals, he said.
He thanked all who are willing to provide services.
Cindy Duterte of the county Department of Parks and Recreation led a contingent offering information for those wishing to provide programs at the various county neighborhood centers.
Frank Ranger of the Kaua‘i Headstart program said he may have a problem with some of the Headstart teachers needing to stay home on furlough days in order to take care of their own children.
Liz Kua of Westside Christian Center in Kekaha said her facility, down the block from Kekaha School, is offering a free, day-long program for children in grades kindergarten through five, but can only accommodate 30 children.
“We just kind of figured we’d do what we can to help the community,” said Kua.
The program will run 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will offer activities similar to the church’s summer program, including science, crafts, singing, ‘ukulele, help with homework, physical activities, and more, she said.
Those interested should call her at 634-7040 to pre-register, then plan on attending a parent meeting Thursday, Oct. 22, the night before the first furlough day.
Monika Mira, local author of “The Complete Hawaiian Reef Fish Coloring Book,” said children to be left home can find stimulating reading material or activity books to keep the young brains active.
“Have a talk with your child about what types of activities you might expect from them as a parent. If you have your own business, put them to work and let them learn about what you do, how to manage money and what working responsibility is like,” Mira said.
She said her book is a “a fun way to learn independently about Hawai‘i’s reef fish.”
“You could also take a trip to the library and have your keiki pick out books of interest to her,” Mira said. “Set a goal as to how many chapters she should read or if writing a summary is appropriate. Have your keiki read the newspaper and report to you at dinner on current events.
“While this furlough will affect us all, it shouldn’t have to affect our kids if we take the reins and give them an independent course of study,” she said.
Calvary Chapel Kaua‘i is offering a Furlough Friday program from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Kapa‘a bypass road location, for children in kindergarten through fifth grade.
The day will include three 45-minute tutored homework sessions, three fun activity sessions, a special guest speaker from the community to motivate children, and spiritual encouragement that will inspire students to excel at home, in school and in their communities, according to a press release.
Calvary Chapel Kaua‘i staff, Kaua‘i Bible College students, professional teachers and other trained personnel will be volunteering their time and talent to work with the keiki.
The fee is $20 per day for the first child in a family, and $10 per day for each additional sibling. Lunch and a morning snack are included.
A registration form and medical release form must be completed in advance. They can be accessed online at www.calvarykauai.org.
Applications are being accepted on a first-come basis. Contact Rae Nam at (808) 224-4245 or e-mail her at rae@calvarykauai.org for more information.
Here are some programs from the artistic community:
Phyliss Hopeck of Clay Play Hanalei is offering Furlough Friday ceramics classes, tentatively two afternoon sessions starting around noon and lasting for around 90 minutes. Classes are by donation, suggested from $7 to $15 per student, with discounts for multiple siblings.
Call Hopeck, 826-2539, for more information.
Green Light Creative Arts Center director Rebecca Owen said she’ll bring in a collection of instructors and guest teachers, on Furlough Fridays at the center in Kapa‘a.
The program will focus mainly on visual arts such as drawing and painting, and performing arts such as dance and drama, in addition to providing basic skills for beginners.
Green Light Creative Arts Center will have Furlough Friday camps from 7:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. at $25 a day, and until 5:15 p.m. at $40 a day. Hourly drop-ins are available at $7 per hour. Families of one of more siblings receive discounts. To learn more visit www.greenlightcreativearts.com.
