State funding application for preschool tuition extended to Friday

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