PATCH Preschool Open Doors Accepting Applications February 1 to March 31, 2016

ANNOUNCEMENT

Preschool Open Doors (POD) Program Accepting Applications for July 2016-June 2017 Term

 APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BETWEEN

FEBRUARY 1 – MARCH 31, 2016

Applications accepted for children born August 1, 2011 through July 31, 2012.

POD provides monthly preschool tuition subsidies to qualified families. This Spring enrollment period is for children enrolling in programs from July 1, 2016-June 30, 2017. Income eligibility limits apply–please scroll down for income limits and other information.To download a POD Application click below:

To request an application or for information you may contact your local PATCH office or the Preschool Open Doors office in Honolulu. See contact information at right.

Applications must be received in the Oahu office by the application deadline of March 31, 2016 to be considered for participation, so please apply early.

Notice: Preschool Open Doors (POD) Program Application Period: February 1-March 31, 2016

1/19/2016: The Department of Human Services (DHS) today announced that we will be accepting applications for the Preschool Open Doors program starting February 1 through March 31, 2016.

Applications received in this period are for consideration for POD program participation for July 1, 2016-June 30, 2017. Applications will be accepted for children born August 1, 2011 through July 31, 2012.

Families affected by the change to the kindergarten entry age are encouraged to apply. The POD program provides child care payments to eligible families so their child is able to receive a preschool experience prior to their entry into kindergarten. Funding for POD is limited, priority for program selection is detailed in the POD administrative rules which can be found at the DHS website at http://humanservices.hawaii.gov/admin-rules-2/admin-rules-for-programs

Interested families, this webpage will have a downloadable application available from February 1st so please check back. Or, call our Preschool Open Doors staff from February 1st to request an application:

Applications must be received at the Oahu office by March 31, 2016 to be considered for the 2016-17 program term at the POD office at:

Applicants are encouraged to apply early to ensure the March 31, 2016 deadline is met.

For additional information please contact us at 791-2130 (Oahu) or 1-800-746-5620 (toll-free for neighbor islands).

Preschool Open Doors (POD) understands the importance of child care. Preschool prepares children for kindergarten by teaching social skills and recognition of shapes and some letters. It allows children to explore and discover their world in an environment where they learn through hands on play experiences.

POD promotes school readiness by providing child care subsidies to eligible families for the year prior to kindergarten. The Department of Human Services (DHS) contracts with PATCH to run the program. The DHS administers the program.

For the 2016-17 school year, priority will be children born August 1, 2011-July 31, 2012 who are under-served or at-risk. Eligible families select the DHS-licensed group child care facility (i.e. preschool) of their choice. Household size and monthly gross income also are used to determine priority.

Income eligibility for tuition subsidies is based on a monthly gross family income not exceeding the amounts below. The subsidy amount is based on a sliding fee scale using the family monthly gross income and the maximum POD rate allowed for the selected preschool or the cost of care if lower.

For more information on income eligibility see the following: