Hawaiʻi families seeking financial assistance for preschool tuition will be able to apply for the state’s Preschool Open Doors program for the 2026-2027 school year, state officials announced Thursday.
Applications open Friday, May 29, and remain open for a year until May 31, 2027, or until funding runs out.
The tuition assistance program, administered through the Department of Human Services, helps eligible families pay for preschool and childcare programs for children ages 2 to 4 who are not yet eligible for kindergarten in the 2027–2028 academic year.
“Expanding access to early learning opportunities is critical to supporting Hawaiʻi’s families and strengthening our future workforce,” Acting Lt. Gov. Keith Regan said in a statement.
He said this program helps ensure more keiki across the state have access to quality early education, regardless of their family’s financial situation.
Eligible children must have birth dates between Aug. 1, 2021, and July 31, 2024.
Families already receiving assistance through the program for the current school year must reapply to continue receiving benefits.
State officials added that the program will now include expanded eligibility for 2-year-olds, a change expected to increase demand after what the department described as record interest during the previous application cycle.
Families that qualify may select from 389 licensed preschools and group childcare homes statewide. The maximum monthly subsidy is $1,500 for accredited programs and $1,200 for licensed programs.
Income eligibility is determined by household size and monthly gross income.
For example, for a family of four, the monthly income limit is $15,813. A family of two may earn up to $10,371 per month and still qualify.
Department of Human Services acting director Joseph Campos II encouraged families to apply early because of anticipated demand: “This program helps families access affordable early learning opportunities at a critical stage in their child’s development.”
Families can apply online beginning May 29 by clicking here. Applications are also available by phone at 808-791-2130 or toll-free at 1-800-746-5620.
Paper applications may also be submitted by mail, drop-off, fax, or email to: PATCH – Preschool Open Doors, 560 N. Nimitz Hwy., Suite 218, Honolulu, HI 96817.
