LIHUE — Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke announced the Preschool Open Doors Priority Application Period for the upcoming 2025-2026 school year opened on Tuesday and will run through April 30, 2025.
The Preschool Open Doors program helps families pay for preschool for eligible 3-and 4-year-old children for the July 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026 school year.
“With uncertainty at the federal level around child care and early education funding, Preschool Open Doors reaffirms our state’s commitment to supporting local families — ensuring our keiki can access the opportunities they need to thrive,” said Lt. Gov. Luke in the announcement by the Department of Human Services.
Luke leads the state’s Ready Keiki initiative to expand access to pre-K statewide.
“For many families, the cost of child care and preschool can be as high as rent,” Luke said. “This Open Doors subsidy provides meaningful relief, making quality early education more accessible for Hawaii’s working families.”
The DHS anticipates another strong turnout and encourages families to apply before the deadline to ensure their children have the opportunity to benefit from this vital program.
Preschool Open Doors which currently serves more than 2,300 children across the state provides early learning opportunities to help children gain essential skills, be prepared for school, and chart a course for lifelong success. Families interested can apply online by visiting www.childcaresubsidyapplication.dhs.hawaii.gov, or by requesting an application from the DHS Preschool Open Doors contractor, People Attentive To Children, or PATCH.
PATCH can be reached through its website, www.patchhawaii.org, or by calling 808-791-2130, or toll-free at 1-800-746-5620. PATCH can also help families locate a convenient preschool that meets the needs of the individual child.
All applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. on April 30, 2025, to be considered for the 2025-2026 school year.
Interested families may visit the online application portal to learn more about Preschool Open Doors and apply online. Families may also submit a paper application and drop off, or mail, fax, or email to PATCH-Preschool Open Doors, 560 N. Nimitz Highway, Suite 218, Honolulu, HI 96817. The fax number is 808-694-306556, and the email address is PODAdmin@patch-hi.org.
To qualify for the 2025-2026 Preschool Open Doors program, children must be two years (birthdate from August 1, 2020, to July 31, 2022) prior to kindergarten entry, either the 2026-2027 or 2027-2028 Department of Education school years.
If the 3-year-old child is currently enrolled in the 2024-2025 Preschool Open Doors school year, parents or guardians will need to submit a new application.
DHS prioritizes underserved or at-risk children. Additionally, the department will look at the family’s gross income based on family size. A family of 2 has a Monthly Gross Income Eligibility Limit of $6,080, or an Annual Gross Income Eligibility Limit of $72,960; a family of 3 has a Monthly GIEL of $7,663, and an Annual GIEL of $91,956.
Families eligible for the program may use any of the 382 state-licensed preschools.
The maximum subsidy rate for an accredited licensed preschool is $1,500, and $1,200 for a licensed preschool. The amount a family receives is based on the family’s monthly gross income, co-payment, and type of preschool selected.
DHS Director Ryan Yamane said the department received more than 5,000 applications during the 2024-2025 program year.
“The extended application window for the Preschool Open Doors program, expanded eligibility to include 3-year-old children, and increased income limits led to a significant increase in applications,” Yamane said. “Every child deserves a strong start, and the high level of interest in the program reflects how important these opportunities are for families across the state.”
For more information, visit the DHS website at www.humanservices.hawaii.gov.
