Preschool Open Doors Program Accepting Applications

The Hawai‘i Department of Human Services (DHS) is helping families better afford preschool for the 2019-2020 school year. The Preschool Open Doors program opened an additional application period today that runs until May 31, 2019. Both the application period and funding are limited, so DHS encourages families to apply before the deadline.

To qualify for the program, children must be eligible to enter kindergarten in the 2020-2021 school year (born between Aug. 1, 2014 and July 31, 2015). If awarded a subsidy, families may use any one of the 433 state-licensed preschools. DHS also gives priority to underserved or at-risk children.

Preschool Open Doors (POD), which currently serves more than 1,500 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. Preschool and other early learning opportunities help children gain essential skills, be prepared for school and chart a course for lifelong success.

Interested families should request an application as soon as possible from the department’s POD contractor, PATCH, by going online or calling (808) 791-2130 or toll free (800) 746-5620. PATCH can also help families locate a preschool convenient for them.

Applications must be received by Friday, May 31, 2019 to be considered during the July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020 program period.  Applications should be dropped off, mailed, faxed, or emailed to 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 in HAR §17-799, which is available online. For more information about other DHS programs and services, go online.