Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke and the state’s Department of Human Services announced on Tuesday the opening of the application period for DHS’s Preschool Open Doors program for the July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 school year.

What You Need To Know

  • The program helps families pay for preschool for eligible 3- and 4-year-old children

  • To qualify for the 2025 to 2026 Preschool Open Doors program, DHS says children must be in the two years (birthdate from Aug. 1, 2020 to July 31, 2022) prior to kindergarten entry, either the 2026 to 2027 or 2027 to 2028 Department of Education school years

  • If a 3-year-old child is currently enrolled in the 2024 to 2025 Preschool Open Doors school year, parents will need to submit a new application

  • Eligible families can use any of the 382 state-licensed preschools

The program helps families pay for preschool for eligible 3- and 4-year-old children. The application period runs through April 30.

"With uncertainty at the federal level around child care and early education funding, Preschool Open Doors reaffirms our state's commitment to supporting local families — ensuring our keiki can access the opportunities they need to thrive," said Luke in a news release. Luke leads the state’s Ready Keiki initiative to expand access to pre-K statewide.

"For many families, the cost of child care and preschool can be as high as rent. This subsidy provides meaningful relief, making quality early education more accessible for Hawaii’s working families,” Luke said.

To qualify for the 2025 to 2026 Preschool Open Doors program, DHS says children must be in the two years (birthdate from Aug. 1, 2020 to July 31, 2022) prior to kindergarten entry, either the 2026 to 2027 or 2027 to 2028 Department of Education school years.

If a 3-year-old child is currently enrolled in the 2024 to 2025 Preschool Open Doors school year, parents will need to submit a new application. The department also looks at the family’s gross income based on their family size and prioritizes underserved or at-risk children.

Eligible families can use any of the 382 state-licensed preschools. The maximum subsidy rate for an accredited, licensed preschool is $1,500 and $1,200 for a licensed preschool, according to DHS. The amount received is based on the family’s monthly gross income, co-payment and type of school selected.

During the 2024 to 2025 program year, DHS Director Ryan Yamane said the department received over 5,000 applications.

“The extended application window for the Preschool Open Doors program, expanded eligibility to include 3-year-old children, and increased income limits led to a significant increase in applications,” said Yamane. “Every child deserves a strong start and the high level of interest in the program reflects how important these opportunities are for families across the state.”

Preschool Open Doors currently serves over 2,300 children statewide, providing early learning opportunities to help them gain essential skills, be prepared for school and chart a course for lifelong success.

Interested families can apply online or request an application from the Preschool Open Doors contractor, PATCH. Call them at 808-791-2130 or toll-free at 1-800-746-5620. PATCH can also assist families in locating a preschool that helps meet the needs of their child.

Applications can also be dropped off, mailed, faxed or emailed to: PATCH - Preschool Open Doors, 560 N. Nimitz Hwy., Suite 218, Honolulu HI 96817. Fax: 808-694-3066. Email: PODAdmin@patch-hi-org.

Applications must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. April 30 to be considered for the July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 school year.