The state’s Preschool Open Doors program is still accepting applications until Jan. 31, 2025, for the current school year.
The program provides subsidies up to $1,500 for eligible families sending their 3- or 4-year-old children to a licensed preschool.
To be eligible for the 2024-2025 school year, children must be born between Aug. 1, 2019 and July 31, 2021, and the family’s gross income shall be at or below the following:
According to the Department of Human Services, the maximum subsidy rate for an accredited licensed preschool is $1,500, and $1,200 for a licensed preschool. The amount a family receives is based on their copayment tier, which is calculated off their monthly gross income. (Find the copayment tiers and gross income eligibility limits here.)
Preschool Open Doors currently serves more than 2,000 children in Hawaii.
“With the new changes for the current school year, we assisted more than double the number of children with preschool tuition than last year. We still have funding available, so I encourage families to apply before the deadline,” said DHS Director Ryan Yamane in a statement. “This is an investment in our keiki, families, and communities statewide.”
Interested families may apply online here. They can also request an application from the department’s Preschool Open Doors contractor, PATCH, or by calling 808-791-2130 or toll-free at 1-800-746-5620. PATCH can also help families locate a nearby preschool.
Families may also submit a paper application and drop off, mail, fax, or email to the following:
PATCH
– POD 560 N. Nimitz Hwy.
Suite 218
Honolulu, HI 96817
Fax: 808-694-3066
Email: PODAdmin@patch-hi.org
Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. Jan. 31, 2025, for the 2024-2025 school year.
For the 2025-2026 school year, information will become available in Feb. 2025.