Governor Josh Green, M.D.

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES 

KA ʻOIHANA MĀLAMA LAWELAWE KANAKA 

Office of the Director 

 

JOSH GREEN, M.D.

GOVERNOR 

KE KIAʻĀINA 

 

CATHY BETTS 

DIRECTOR 

KA LUNA HOʻOKELE 

  

  JOSEPH CAMPOS II 

   DEPUTY DIRECTOR 

    KA HOPE LUNA HOʻOKELE 

 

TRISTA SPEER

  DEPUTY DIRECTOR 

    KA HOPE LUNA HOʻOKELE 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 12, 2024

 

DHS Expands Preschool Open Doors Program

to Include Eligible 3-year-olds and Increases Income Eligibility Limits 

Application period runs from January 16 – March 28, 2024

 

Honolulu, HI – The Department of Human Services (DHS) is expanding the Preschool Open Doors program to eligible 3-year-olds and helping families better afford preschool for the 2024-2025 school year with increased gross income eligibility limits. Families that may have been over income in previous years may now qualify if they have eligible 3- or 4-year-old children and need help with preschool tuition.

 

The Preschool Open Doors program application period will run from January 16, 2024, through March 28, 2024. DHS encourages families to apply before the deadline. To make applying more accessible, the Department is excited to share that families may apply online for Preschool Open Doors, Child Care Subsidy, or for Both Preschool Open Doors and Child Care Subsidy programs. Families can learn more about each program and apply online at: https://childcaresubsidyapplication.dhs.hawaii.gov/. Families must upload their supporting documents when applying online, which will save on postage and copy fees.

 

To qualify for the Preschool Open Doors program, children must be eligible to enter kindergarten in the 2025-2026 or 2026-2027 DOE school year (born between August 1, 2019, and July 31, 2021). If awarded a subsidy, families may use any one of the 394 state-licensed preschools or group child care homes. DHS gives priority to underserved families.

 

Preschool Open Doors (POD), which currently serves more than 740 children statewide, provides subsidies to eligible families to help pay preschool tuition. POD aims to provide low- and moderate-income families with the opportunity to send their children to preschool for up to two years prior to entering kindergarten. Preschool and other early learning opportunities help children gain essential skills, be prepared for school and chart a course for lifelong success.

 

Interested families may apply online here  or should request an application as soon as possible from PATCH, by visiting patchhawaii.org or calling 808-791-2130 or toll free 1-800-746-5620. PATCH can also help families locate a preschool convenient for them.

 

Applications must be received by March 28, 2024, to be considered during the July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025, program period. Interested families may visit the online portal to learn more about Preschool Open Doors and apply here. Families may also submit a paper application and drop off, mail, fax, or email PATCH at the following:

 

PATCH – POD

560 N. Nimitz Hwy, Suite 218

Honolulu, HI 96817

Fax: 808-694-3066

Email: [email protected]

 

Eligibility and priorities for POD program selection are detailed online within HAR §17-799, which is available online – click here.  For more information about other DHS programs and services, visit humanservices.hawaii.gov.

 

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Media Contact:
Amanda Stevens, Public Information Officer

Department of Human Services
Email: [email protected]

 

 

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