About Our Program

Program Overview

The Toddler Program emphasizes individualized attention, close relationships among staff, students, and parents. The program encourages creativity and growth in young children. Recent research has shown that optimal development of the human brain occurs between the ages of 2-5 and that the cognitive development and motor skills developed by children during this period had long-lasting as well as often life-influencing effects. Accordingly, The Toddler Program offers comprehensive range of educational services to its students including but not exclusive to a rich literature-based curriculum, frequent excursions, and field trips, the promotion of interactive social skills and a myriad of challenging physical activities encompassed by their Christ centered values and beliefs. Our after school program promotes diverse quality and innovative classes such as 'olelo (Hawaiian language), Mandarin, movement classes, outdoor activities, and nature exploration.

Sunshine Bears (2 Years Old)

Currently the Sunshine Bears class consists of (1) one experienced and nurturing lead teacher and (1) one loving aide, assisted by (1) one floating aide. The children are lovingly guided through their first formal educational experiences.

Aloha Bears (3 Years Old)

Our Aloha Bear class is generally compiled of 10 – 12 active 3 year olds, under the careful and observant guidance of (1) one highly skilled lead teacher and (1) one loving aide. The Aloha Bears enhance their social skills as well as develop their cognitive skills.

Friendship Bears (4 Years Old)

The Friendship Bears are active contributors to our school community. These energetic 4 year old children are led by (1) one engaging lead teacher and (1) one compassionate aide. These nurturing staff members skillfully embrace the children in an interactive environment where their cognitive, social, physical, and spiritual developments are captured.

Honey Bears (Jr. Kindergarten, 5 Years Old)

Honey Bears fill our Jr. Kindergarten class with inquisitive children and (1) one innovative lead teacher. This class guides the children to be passionate life-time learners.

Our Teachers

Aunty Cathy, Director

I graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelors in Economics and then went on to pursue my Masters in Early Childhood Education from UH-Manoa upon returning full-time to the early education field in 2003. I have worked with young children since 1994 and enjoy their zest for life and boisterousness. In my free time I love to eat and travel!

Aunty Dani

Aunty Cathy, Director

I was born and raised in Brazil, and I have lived in Europe, East Coast, West Coast, and I have been living in Hawaii since 2009. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from UH, and I have been working with children for over 20 years. Currently I live in a Tiny House in the jungle, at the back of Palolo Valley. Other than my passion for Early Childhood Education, I also love hanging out with my dog, gardening, stand-up paddling, rock climbing, cooking, doing yoga, and traveling (54 countries and counting).

Mrs. Osato

I was born in Japan and have lived in Honolulu since 2005 and graduated from University of Hawaii, where I received a Bachelor of Social Science in Early Childhood Education.

I have been in the early childhood field since 2005. I love seeing smiles on the children’s faces when they learn something new. I am bilingual in Japanese and English.

Aunty Kate

Mrs. Osato

With almost five years of experience in early childhood education, I thrive to bring a nurturing and creative approach to the classroom. I believe in fostering a love for learning through play and exploration, ensuring each child feels valued and confident. In my free time I love to watch movies, do puzzles, go shopping and anything and everything that involves coffee. I was born and raised in Dallas, TX, and I love to visit often to see my family and friends! Go Cowboys!! (They'll win a Super Bowl someday lol)

History and Background

The Toddler Program gets its roots from the former Queen Emma Early Preschool at St. Andrew's Priory beginning in 1991 and from its past Director, Ms. Charmaine Moura. Her extensive experience in early childhood education helped develop and promote the program we now know as The Toddler Program.

In June 1992, St. Andrew' s Priory informed Ms. Moura and the preschool parents that it was terminating the Early Preschool because it had to demolish the classroom to make space for a new gym. The Priory had no intention of continuing the program, particularly because it was unprofitable to maintain the low student-teacher ratio without significantly increasing tuition.

At that point, a small number of determined parents decided to find a new location so that this high-quality program could continue and remain available to working parents. Through much hard work and a lot of good luck, we were able to find a new location at Waialae Baptist Church. We opened our doors there in November 1992.

In 1998 Waialae Baptist Church asked the program to move out because they were planning a major renovation to the church buildings. After more hard work and good luck, we were able to find another new location on Pahoa Avenue. We completely re-painted and re-carpeted the class room, created a new eating area for the students, re-landscaped the front and back yards, and installed a new air conditioning system. In September 1998, The Toddler Program started its school year in the new facility, where we still are today.