For the Keiki & Ohana: Furlough Fridays

Photo Credit: Plasticinaa

When we say, “lucky we live in Hawaii”, it is no mere bromide, but a truism. And yet, the tough economic times are hitting everyone, islanders included. Perhaps you are already familiar with or even personally affected by Hawaii’s newly enacted “Furlough Fridays”—Hawaii’s attempt at addressing what Governor Linda Lingle states is the “unprecedented $2.7 billion revenue shortfall projected between now and June 30, 2011”.

With all public schools closing on these Furlough Fridays, the biggest impact is on public school students, their parents and teachers. Among other issues, one main concern many parents have is locating affordable, quality childcare in an enriching and safe environment.

Hawaii Traditions has compiled a listing of childcare and educational services available to help address the question of what to do with the keiki on those 17 upcoming Furlough Fridays, beginning October 23, 2009 and lasting, possibly, for the next 2 years. Services are filling up and most are on a first come, first served basis:

The current Furlough Friday schedule is:
Fall 2009: 10/23/09, 10/30, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18
Spring 2010: 1/15/10, 1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 3/5, 3/12, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14

YMCA of Honolulu, Maui* and Hawaii*
Program: All-day programs will include homework time and guidance, enrichment projects, recreational and sports-related activities.
Class Dates: All Furlough Fridays.
Class Times: Varies with location.
Rate: Varies with location and membership; $20 to $36 per day.
Contact: Phone list is available on the YMCA website link.
• Maui Information: contact Jason Justus at (808)575-3006 (Haiku School site).
• Hilo Information: contact Rockelle Augustin at 935-3721 or ymca-hilo@hawaii.rr.com
• Kona Information: – Elizabeth Bercerra at 329-YMCA (9622) or ymca-ebeccerra@hawaii.rr.com

Kama’aina Kids (Available on Oahu, Maui and on the Big Island in Hilo and Kona)
Program: One of the largest childcare providers in the State of Hawaii offering quality childcare.
Class Dates: All Furlough Fridays.
Class Times: Varies with location.
Rate: $25 per day

Academy of Arts
Program: Students will explore two and three-dimensional art projects, keeping kids engaged and learning on furlough Fridays; grades 1-6.
Class Dates: : Schedule: 5 sessions, each session with 3 classes
Session 1: October 30, Nov 6, 20
Session 2: Dec 4, 11, 18
Session 3: Jan 15, 29, Feb 5
Session 4: Feb 12, March 5, 12
Session 5: April 23, 30, May 7
Class 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Rate: Cost: $150 per three-class session, lunch not included.
Contact: (808) 532-8700

Diamond Head Theatre
Program: A series of musical theatre classes for students 6 – 12 years old; no experience required.
Class Dates: Fall session 10/23, 10/30, 11/6, 11/20, 12/4, 12/11, 12/18
Class Times: 7 a.m. – 8 a.m., Drop-off; 3 p.m. Pick-up
Rate: $350 for Fall session
Contact: Kelly Moulson at 733-0277 ext. 306.

The Bishop Museum
Program: The museum’s program includes a “multi-sensory learning environment from science to cultural sessions”.
Class Dates: All Furlough Fridays.
Class Times: 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Rates: $25 per day for Bishop Museum members; $35 per day for nonmember.
Contact: Museum’s Education Department at 848-4168 or email education@bishopmuseum.org.

Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center
Program: Science Playground, a hands-on science focused program full of fun and learning; ages 5-8
Class Dates: All Furlough Fridays.
Class Times: 9 a.m. – 4 a.m., (Courtesy drop-off at 8:45 a.m.)
Rates: $35 per day for members; $40 per day for non-members. Sign up for all 9 sessions and save! $275 for Members / $320 for Non-Members.
Contact: For more information, please call 524-5437 or email info@discoverycenterhawaii.org .

Hawaii Children’s Discovery Center & Isis Hawaii
Program: Hands-on workshops for middle and high school students interested in using advanced technology tools (3D CAD and robotics); ages 11–17.
Class Dates: All Furlough Fridays.
Class Times: 8 a.m. – 4 a.m.
Rates: $45 per day per student x 17 = $765.00
Contact: Lynn at lfujioka@isishawaii.org.

Mililani Hongwangi Daycare
Class Dates: Daily
Class Times: 5:30 am – 6:00 pm
Rates: $27 per day per student x 17 = $459
Contact: 625-0325 or email: mililanibassprogram@gmail.com

We will continue to update this list as we learn about more Furlough Fridays solutions. Please let us know what is working for your family and children.

Myron B. Thompson Academy
Class Dates: Daily
Class Times: Normal School Hours
Rates: FREE
Program: Attend classes at Coconut Island and other areas that will give them credits toward graduation or their home school.
Contact: Call 441-8001 for information, or e-mail principal Diana Oshiro at msoshiro@ethompson.org

Pearlridge Shopping Center
Class Dates: Friday, October 23, 2009
Class Times: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Kauai, Maui and the Big Island

Furlough Friday programs on Kauai:

County Department of Parks and Recreation, Furlough Friday Program (Big Island)
Program: Registration for quality, low-cost childcare modeled after the County’s Summer Fun Program begins October 5, 2009; k-8 grade.
Class Dates: All Furlough Fridays.
Class Times: 7:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Rate: $6 per child per furlough day, or $12 per furlough day for families with more than one child in the program.
Contact: Go to the Hawaii County News for contact information.

Ebb & Flow Arts on Maui
Program: Music workshops, curriculum for reading & writing music, multi media connections; K-12.
Rates: By donation. Call for further information, scheduling and site determination.
Contact: Robert Pollock at (808) 876-1854 or rosalime@aol.com

Visit the Hawaii Chamber of Commerce for even more Furlough Friday resources.