21-02-2025
Preschool Open Doors priority application period now open
HONOLULU (KHON2) — The State is helping more families pay for preschool for this upcoming school year. If you haven't been able to qualify due to income restrictions, the state urges you to try again.
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Preschool Open Doors is a state-funded program through the Department of Human Services (DHS) that provides monthly preschool tuition subsidies.
The program's priority application period for the upcoming 2025 to 2026 school year, opened on Feb. 18 and will run through April 30.
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'I can cry when I think about certain families, how much it's helped,' stated Cheryl Cudiamat, Keiki Care Center of Hawaii Director. 'Families I know that are on it, they are really in need of it. Their children would not be in preschool without it.'
The cost of tuition can be as high as rent, according to Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke who is partnered with DHS. Now, there is about $50 million available to help families with finances.
Preschool Open Doors also expanded its eligibility requirements to include families with higher incomes and keiki three years and older. Priority will be given to underserved or at-risk children.
'We've been seeing a lot more families qualify this time around than ever in the past due to the increase of income eligibility limits,' said Shantel Griffen, Preschool Open Doors Program Manager.
Family Size
Monthly Gross Income Eligibility Limit
Annual Gross Income Eligibility Limit
2
$ 6,080
$ 72,960
3
$ 7,663
$ 91,956
4
$ 9,245
$ 110,940
5
$ 10,828
$ 129,936
6
$ 12,410
$ 148,920
7
$ 13,993
$ 167,916
8
$ 15,575
$ 186,900
Currently, DHS is serving 2,300 students through its program and anticipates helping even more.
'In 2024, about 5,000 families applied and out of that, over 2500 families were parents and guardians of three-year-olds,' stated Lt. Gov Luke.
There are over 350 DHS-certified childcare centers available throughout the state. Families can receive between $1,200 and $1,500. The amount they receive will be based on monthly gross income, co-payment, and selected preschool.
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'It pays for 100% of the tuition. We don't charge comprehensive fees, but for the most part, it covers everything,' said Cudiamat.
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