Need help paying for preschool?
The Preschool Open Doors (POD) program is a statewide child care program operated by the Department of Human Services that provides subsidies to eligible low- and moderate-income families to pay tuition for up to one year at any of the State’s licensed 424 preschools. The POD subsidy provides 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, your family must meet these requirements:
A) Age of Child: Priority will be for children born between August 1, 2010 – July 31, 2011 who are underserved or at-risk children. Families whose children were born between August 1, 2010 – July 31, 2011 should apply for POD services.
B) Gross family Income is within allowable income limits. Families are income-ranked on a sliding scale to ensure funds are distributed to those most in need. If eligible, you may still have to pay some monthly preschool costs.
Parents/Guardians do NOT need to have an activity to qualify (working, in school, or job training).
Assistance may begin July 2015 or later, dependent on your preschool’s start date, through June 2016. Your child may attend any DHS licensed preschool, group child care center, or group child care home you have selected.
Applications will be accepted during the Spring of 2015 for the POD year beginning in July 2015.
For more information or to request an application please call the POD contractor, PATCH, Toll-Free at 1-800-746-5620. Applications will also be available in the Spring of 2015 for downloading at www.patchhawaii.org.
