The state Department of Human Services opened an additional application period for low- and moderate-income families to apply for the Preschool Open Doors program.
The state Department of Human Services opened an additional application period for low- and moderate-income families to apply for the Preschool Open Doors program.
Applications must be received by Wednesday (May 31). Applications received during this period will be considered for preschool participation from July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2018.
Preschool Open Doors, which serves more than 1,700 children statewide, provides child care subsidies to eligible low- and moderate-income families to pay preschool tuition. POD aims to provide children whose families might otherwise not be able to afford preschool the opportunity to gain essential skills to be successful in school and life.
To qualify for the program, children must be eligible to enter kindergarten in the 2018-19 school year (born between Aug. 1, 2012, and July 31, 2013). Families are reminded a child must be 5 years old on or before July 31 to enter kindergarten. Families can choose any one of the 434 state-licensed preschools. Underserved or at-risk children receive priority consideration for the POD program, and funds are limited.
Interested families can request an application from the department’s POD contractor, PATCH, by visiting http://patchhawaii.org or calling 791-2130 or toll free 1-800-746-5620. PATCH also can help families locate a preschool convenient for them.
Applications should be dropped off, mailed, faxed or emailed to the following:
PATCH – POD
560 N. Nimitz Highway, Suite 218
Honolulu, HI 96817
Fax: 694-3066
PODAdmin@patch-hi.org
Eligibility and priorities for POD program selection are detailed online in HAR §17-799 at humanservices.hawaii.gov/admin-rules-2/admin-rules-for-programs. For more information about other DHS programs and services, visit humanservices.hawaii.gov.