Preschool Open Doors Program is Accepting Applications for Tuition Assistance September 11 through October 31, 2017.

The Preschool Open Doors (POD) program will be accepting applications from families in need of child care assistance for preschool costs. Applications for the 2017-2018 POD year will be accepted between September 11 and October 31, 2017. Applications must be received in our Oahu office location by October 31, 2017 to be considered for the 2017-2018 POD period.

The POD program is operated by People Attentive To Children (PATCH) on behalf of the State of Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS). With the assistance of $11.6 million in subsidies in the 2017 to 2018 POD year, POD helps qualifying low- and moderate-income families pay for preschool to help keiki build a solid foundation and gain essential skills to be successful in school and life. Priority is given to eligible children with special needs or at-risk factors. Household size and monthly gross income also are used to determine priority enrollments.

Families with children born between August 1, 2012 and July 31, 2013 may apply for the 2017-2018 POD period, which runs January 1, 2018 through June 30, 2018.

Applications are available for download from the PATCH website www.patchhawaii.org.  You also can call 808-791-2130 on Oahu, or toll-free from Neighbor Islands 1-800-746-5620 to request an application by mail.

Family income eligibility limits apply (see below).

Monthly Gross Income Limits

Family Size                Gross Income Limits

1                                     2,755

2                                     3,718

3                                     4,680

4                                     5,643

5                                     6,605

6                                     7,568

7                                     8,530

8                                     9,493

Here are some tips for planning ahead:

1. Need help finding a preschool? Call 808-839-1988 or go to patchhawaii.org for preschools in your area.

2. Many preschools have wait lists. Call in advance to learn about the preschool’s application process.

3. Talk to the preschool to see if they accept children who are in the Preschool Open Doors program.

The Preschool Open Doors Flyer can be distributed to interested families, organizations, and community partners.  PATCH will supply color copies of the flyer upon request.  Contact us with the name, address, and number of flyers you are requesting.

PATCH is a Hawaii nonprofit whose mission is to support and improve the quality and availability of care for the young people of Hawaii.