January 2012 Newsletter
Employee Spotlight, Diane Paiva
For the past 34 years Diane Paiva has been involved in the childcare industry. The last 13 of those years finds her at Kama'aia Kids where she is now a Preschool Regional Manager and Center Director for Mililani Tech Park preschool.
When did you first start wth Kama'aina Kids?
Ms. Diane: 1994, when Hawaii Child Centers and Kama'aina Care merged.
How long have you been working in the childcare industry?
Ms. Diane: Since 1977, I started out as a home day care provider with PATCH.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Ms. Diane: Watching the growth of children and staff as they master new skills. Having past students apply for a position or enroll their own children.
What is the worst part of your job?
Ms. Diane: When a parent is upset or angry with us, especially if a child's welfare is involved.
As a Center Director managing your own preschool, what is your vision or overall goal with your site?
Ms. Diane: My goal is for Mililani Tech Park to be a high quality, nationally accredited preschool. I want our center to be known for it's nurturing support of children and adults growth development. My vision is that children leave our Center for kindergarten as enthusiastic learners with a clear sense that they can be contributing members of a community, able to care for themselves, others and the world we live in.
What do you consider your biggest success with Kama'aina Kids?
Ms. Diane: Being here at Mililani Tech Park since it was just in the planning stages. Getting it nationally accredited and maintaining accreditation.
As a Regional Manager overseeing other preschools what is your management philosophy?
Ms. Diane: I feel my job is to be a resource and support to Directors. To help them keep on track in achieving company goals such as accreditation, maintaining quality in the classrooms, complying with all licensing requirements and sound fiscal management at their centers.
Do any of your family members attend a Kama'aina Kids program?
Ms. Diane: Yes, my grandchildren attend. Because the preschool is a high quality, nationally accredited school. [Also] Because I can see my granddaughter daily! My grandsons attend intersession because of the fun stuff they do, especially the outdoor, physical stuff!
What has been your biggest achievement with your preschool?
Ms. Diane: Maintaining national accreditation first with NAEYC and then with NECPA.
What motivates you at work?
Ms. Diane: Knowing what we do has a positive impact in the lives of children and families in Hawaii.
Where are you from?
I was born in Shirley, Mass. and grew up moving a lot. Father was in the military and settled in Hawaii in 1969 so I consider Hawaii as my home.
How many children does Mililani Tech Park average daily?
Ms. Diane: 135 keiki
What is the most popular program with families?
Ms. Diane: Most of our children attend full time either til 4:30pm or 6pm
What do you do to address safety at your site?
Ms. Diane: We review safety issues at monthly staff meetings, make sure all staff are current on first aid/CPR, do visual checks of environments daily, do monthly check lists, monthly emergency drills.
What do you do for fun?
Ms. Diane: Bowling, hula, beach [and] playing with grandkids!
Who at Kama'aina Kids past or present influenced(s) you?
Ms. Diane: Jan Lee (former Preschool Division Director and jack-of-all-trades), Lana Antonellis (former Preschool Division Director), Buffy Owens (current Preschool Division Director and Operations Manager), Ray Sanborn (Kama'aian Kids President).
We're fortunate to have Ms. Diane! With the level of achievements she has accomplished and the daily nurturing she provides to not only the children and families she serves but also her staff and fellow co-workers at Kama'aina Kids I am sure she too is an influence to others.
NECPA Preschool Accreditation
Kama'aina Kids is committed to raising the quality of our programs and utilize NEPCA as one of the many resources in achieving this. Our accreditations continue as even more have passed bringing our total to 11 accredited preschools!
Aikahi
Enchanted Lake
Ewa @ CFS
Honolulu
Iroquois Point
Kalaeloa
Mililani Tech Park
Moanalua
Piilani
St. Mark's
Waipahu
Baby Sitting Services!
Our Hotel & Convention division is now providing babysitting services!
Quality Sitting Services for children 6 weeks to 14 years:
• Kama‘aina Kids staff will be in uniform.
• Parent provides food, diapers/wipes, favorite toys, games and books.
• Sitter will provide age appropriate games, books, Hawaiian arts and crafts.
• Walking excursions around hotel; swimming (upon parental approval).
Rates are based on 2 hour minimum. Group rates and full day rates also available!! Contact 478-5309 or
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for more information.
Camp Timberline
Providing everythinig under the sun, our Camp Timberline Facility is great for school excursions, church groups and other functions for keiki, family and businesses! See what Camp Timberline has to offer you. Click here.
• Team Challenge (Low Ropes)
• High Ropes
• Mobile Rock Climbing Wall
• Mobile Ropes Course
• Mountain Biking Trails
• Aquatic Activities
• Environmental Educations
• Service Projects
• Group Retreats and Conferences
