The Department of Human Services is extending its application deadline for families seeking funding to send keiki to preschool for the 2023-24 school year.
The Preschool Open Doors program, which initially ended on March 31, has been extended to Friday, March 28, as more funds were made available. The program is a statewide subsidy service that provides financial assistance to low- and moderate-income families in paying preschool tuition.
The program currently serves more than 800 children throughout the state. If awarded a subsidy, families may apply to any of the 405 state-licensed preschools. The state also gives priority to underserved or at-risk children. To qualify for the program, children must be eligible to enter kindergarten in the 2023-24 school year (born between Aug. 1, 2018 and July 31, 2019).
“Preschool and other early learning opportunities help children gain essential skills, prepare for school and chart a course for lifelong success,” officials from the Department of Human Services stated in a press release Wednesday.
Interested families should request an application as soon as possible from the department’s Preschool Open Doors contractor, PATCH, by visiting patchhawaii.org or calling 791-2130 or toll free 1-800-746-5620. PATCH can also help families locate a preschool convenient for them.
Applications must be received by April 28, 2023 to be considered during the July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024 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: PODAdmin@patch-hi.org
