All of the Schools’ early education programs are fully accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). In 2002, the schools received the prestigious KOA award for “Excellence in Education” and in 2007, Seagull’s executive director, Chuck Larson, received the KOA award for “Entrepreneur of the Year.”
In June 2012 - from 6,000 childcare centers nationally - Seagull Schools was one of only 16 centers to be recognized by First lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” program for outstanding efforts to prevent obesity and help children get off to a healthy start in life. The criteria that influenced Seagull’s selection included: (1) no air conditioned classrooms…they are architecturally designed to be cooled naturally to reduce germ circulation, (2) healthy and nutritional meals served family style that includes whole wheat bread and brown rice, fresh fruit and vegetables and a vegetarian meal every Wednesday, (3) no TV or video watching, (4) ample green open space for exploring and running at full speed and (5) specially designed transitional areas for blending inside and outside activities. The awards for this recognition were presented to Seagull’s staff at a special lunch event in Washington D.C.
Seagull has also won awards for being a “Best Place to Work” by Hawaii Business Magazine and has been recognized by the Hawaii Psychological society as a “Psychologically Healthy Workplace”. Most recently, all campuses became “Blue Zone Project Approved” which certify that its policies and environments meet special high standards that contribute to healthy living.
Seagull’s commitment to supporting the natural environment is supported by the inclusion of solar panels in its schools at Kapolei, Ko Olina and Ocean Pointe and the use of recycled irrigation water at the Ocean Pointe (Ewa) school. In the past 3 decades Seagull Schools has also planted approximately 290 trees on its campuses that include banana, avocado, coconut, breadfruit and papaya trees.
Seagull Schools has an extensive history of collaboration that includes partnering with business, government, and other non-profit organizations. The organization has also taken a leadership role in coordinating efforts to effect policy through its active support or memberships in Good Beginnings Alliance, the Child Care Business Coalition, the Hawaii Intergenerational Network, Kokua Council, West Oahu Economic Development Association (WOEDA), and the NAEYC and HAEYC.