FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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. Families may also access an electronic copy of the application packet here. 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.
