The Castle Foundation has a long history of supporting educational initiatives that lead to better teaching, better facilities, and better outcomes for children. With a belief that high-quality early education is fundamental for giving children and families the best chance for equal educational opportunity, the Foundation focuses on fostering substantial academic results and healthier lifestyles through excellent preschool education.
The Augmenting Quality in Hawaii’s Independent Preschools RFP by the Castle Foundation seeks to improve the quality of preschool education in Hawaii. To this end, the Foundation encourages applications that aim to enhance quality in line with the ten NAEYC accreditation standards. These standards cover a comprehensive scope of educational and operational elements including relationships, curriculum, teaching, child progress assessment, health, staff competencies, family and community relationships, physical environment, and leadership and management. The Foundation offers eight grants of up to $25,000 each to support improvements in any of these quality indicators, thereby promoting better learning outcomes and healthier, more successful futures for children.
The Samuel N. & Mary Castle Foundation primarily concentrates on the early education of children aged 0-5, with a particular emphasis on enhancing access for low-income families to high-standard early learning programs. Due to the typically high expenses associated with building new preschool facilities, the Foundation favors supporting established schools, promoting the resourceful utilization of current spaces and buildings. A special focus is placed on the professional development of pre-K educators. Moreover, the Foundation's trustees hold a strong preference for preschool applicants that have achieved accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).