Preschool Open Doors Expansion Early Learning Access Bill

This bill seeks to expand access and eligibility to the Preschool Open Doors Program. To be renamed the Preschool Open Doors Hawai'i Early Learning Access Program, this bill increases the income eligibility thresholds, lowers the age of eligibility, and expands the eligible settings to include Family Child Care and Infant-Toddler Settings. If passed this bill will increase access to early learning programs and help more families to afford child care. This bill does not require an appropriation. Learn more. 

Contracted Early Learning Services Bill

This bill asks the legislature to require the Hawai'i Department of Humans Services to implement a Contracted Early Learning Services Program.  The Early Learning Contract Program would allow licensed and regulated Infant Toddler Centers and accredited Family Child Care Centers to enter into contracts with the Department of Human Services. These contracts will help to stabilize the childcare sector by creating stable revenue streams. This bill aligns with federal recommendations for the use and implementation of contracts for childcare. This bill does not require an appropriation.  Learn more. 

Early Learning Apprenticeship Grant Bill

This bill seeks funding to establish an Early Learning Apprenticeship Grant Program. Early Learning Apprenticeships have been proven to be an effective method for recruiting and retaining Early Learning Professionals. It is an 'earn while you learn' approach to professional development. Only programs participating in a federally registered apprenticeship program would be eligible for grant funding. Learn more.

Hawai'i's young children need your voice. If we don't advocate for our young children, who will? Please join us as we work together to increase equitable access to the early learning resources and opportunities that our children deserve. Our children deserve better. Our families deserve better; and our early learning professionals deserve better. Become a member today and connect with early childhood advocates statewide and beyond. Let's work together to advance early childhood policies and get our keiki, families, and providers the resources they deserve.