Schatz visits YWCA preschool in Hilo

U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) took a tour Thursday of the YWCA of Hawaii Island Developmental Preschool in Hilo.

During his visit, Schatz met with YWCA of Hawaii Island CEO Kathleen McGilvray and interacted with teachers and students.

“It was a real shot in the arm to have Senator Schatz visit our Developmental Preschool campus in person (Thursday), on the heels of such great news about the funding he was able to secure for our program,” McGilvray said in a statement. “He got to see our teachers in action with the kids as they prepared for graduation ceremonies, and learn about YWCA of Hawaii Island’s other service programs, including Sexual Assault Support Services and the Healthy Families program. We are so grateful.”

Earlier this year, Schatz secured $100,000 in funding for the YWCA of Hawaii Island. The money will be used to help fund technology upgrades, supplies and teacher training for the nonprofit’s Developmental Preschool Program.

YWCA of Hawaii Island offers an accredited preschool centered on the development of keiki ages 2-5 in East Hawaii.

The nationally accredited program provides 50 weeks of preschool per year for Hawaii Island families, offering a safe learning environment that supports a child’s needs in preparation for kindergarten.