This is historical material, "frozen in time." The web site is no longer updated and links to external web sites and some internal pages will not work.

DHS NEWS RELEASE: Preschool Open Doors Now Accepting Applications

Posted on Jan 2, 2019 in Latest Department News

Open Application Period Begins January 2, 2019 for Preschool Open Doors Program

Honolulu, HI – The Department of Human Services (DHS) has opened an application period for its Preschool Open Doors (POD) program 2019-2020 POD school year. We encourage families to apply between January 2, 2019 and March 29, 2019.  Applications received during this period will be considered for preschool participation during July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2020.

This program, which currently serves more than 1,500 children statewide, provides childcare 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 in life.

To qualify for the program, children must be eligible to enter kindergarten in the 2020-2021 school year (born between August 1, 2014 and July 31, 2015). Families are reminded that a child must be five years old on or before July 31 to enter kindergarten. Families may choose any one of the 431 State-licensed preschools. Underserved or at-risk children receive priority consideration for the POD program, and funds are limited.

Interested families may request an application beginning Wednesday, January 2, 2019 from the department’s POD 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 Friday, March 29, 2019 to be considered during the July 1, 2019-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 at humanservices.hawaii.gov/admin-rules-2/admin-rules-for-programs. For more information about other DHS programs and services, visit humanservices.hawaii.gov.

###

 

Media Contact:
Keopu Reelitz, Public Information Officer

Department of Human Services
Email: [email protected]
Cell Phone: 372-4704

NOTICE: This information and attachments are intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged and/or confidential. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited and may be punishable under state and federal law. If you have received this communication and/or attachments in error, please notify the sender via email immediately and destroy all electronic and paper copies.