Molokai Head Start teacher Valeny Dudoit “sails” through the Kaunakakai office of Maui Economic Opportunity in Max’s red boat from the children’s book, “Where The Wild Things Are.” On the last day of summer school on July 5, a Rumpus Dance was held, the concluding event of a summer curriculum with the “Wild Things” theme. Photo courtesy MEO

Maui Economic Opportunity’s Head Start preschool program is accepting applications for the 2025-26 school year, which begins in August.

The free program provides early childhood education to income-qualifying families and serves children who are or will be 3 or 4 years old by July 31, 2025. Head Start sites are located in Haiku, Kahului, UH-Maui College, Kihei, Lahaina, Makawao, Wailuku and Kaunakakai on Molokai. Each site enrolls up to 20 children.

Eligibility is based on federal income guidelines, and children in foster care or families enrolled in TANF, SSI or SNAP programs are also eligible. Families experiencing homelessness or living in temporary shelters qualify as well.

Applications can be submitted at MEOinc.org. For more, call the MEO Head Start office at (808) 249-2988 between 7:15 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekdays.