Lt. Gov. Luke/DHS – Media Advisory – Announcement on Expanded Preschool Open Doors Program

Posted on Jul 12, 2024 in Latest Department News, Newsroom
OFFICE OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
KE KEʻENA O KA HOPE KIAʻĀINA

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
KA ʻOIHANA MĀLAMA LAWELAWE KANAKA 

 
ANNOUNCEMENT ON EXPANDED PRESCHOOL OPEN DOORS PROGRAM
 
MEDIA ADVISORY
What: In alignment with Ready Keiki, the state’s initiative to provide universal access to preschool, Act 153 (SB3116), establishes an ongoing application period for the Preschool Open Doors (POD) program which provides monthly preschool tuition subsidies to qualified families.
The first-come, first-served open application period began on July 1, 2024. It builds on the recent POD expansion, which now includes eligible 3-year-olds and raises gross income eligibility limits, making preschool more affordable and accessible for residents.
When: Tuesday, July 16, 12:30 p.m.
Where: Lieutenant Governor’s Ceremonial Room, Hawaiʻi State Capitol, 5th Floor
Who:
  • Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, State of Hawaiʻi
  • Ryan Yamane, Director, Department of Human Services (DHS)
  • Carol Wear, Executive Director, People Attentive To Children (PATCH)
  • Aureana Nguyen, Parent and Preschool Open Doors recipient
Additional Information: This event is for invited guests and media only. Credentialed members of the media are invited to participate in person. For media unable to attend in person, the news conference will be livestreamed on the Lieutenant Governor’s Facebook page.
Media planning to attend should send your name and news organization by July 16 at 10:00 a.m. to [email protected] and [email protected].
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Media Contact:
Shari Nishijima
Communications Director
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Cell: (808) 978-0867
Amanda Stevens
Public Information Officer
Department of Human Services
[email protected]