For working families in Hawaii, access to quality and affordable child care is essential. Navigating the options and understanding available financial assistance can be crucial. If you’re wondering about child care programs and how to ensure your child has access to enriching early learning experiences, especially in the context of balancing work and family life, understanding child care subsidies is a great starting point. This guide explains the Child Care Subsidy and Preschool Open Doors (POD) programs in Hawaii, designed to support eligible families with the costs of child care, ensuring that more children have access to vital early education opportunities.
What are Child Care Subsidies in Hawaii?
The Department of Human Services (DHS) in Hawaii offers two main subsidy programs to help families with child care expenses: the Child Care Subsidy program and the Preschool Open Doors (POD) program. These programs are designed to make child care more affordable, allowing parents to work, attend school, or participate in job training while ensuring their children are well cared for. Both programs utilize a sliding fee scale, meaning the amount of assistance is based on factors like family income, size, and the cost of care. It’s important to note that the subsidy might not cover the entire cost, and families may need to contribute towards child care expenses.
Child Care Subsidy Program
This program is geared towards low-income families who need child care to maintain employment, pursue education, or participate in job training. To qualify for the Child Care Subsidy, families generally need to meet both income and activity requirements, unless child care is required for protective services. This subsidy can be used for various types of child care for children under 13 years old (or up to 18 in certain circumstances), including:
- Care in the child’s own home
- Care provided by relatives or friends in their homes
- Before- and after-school programs
- Preschools
A key aspect of this program is ensuring child safety. Even if a child care provider is not officially licensed by DHS, they must undergo child abuse/neglect, adult perpetrator, and criminal history background checks to receive subsidy payments. Beyond financial assistance, the Child Care Subsidy program also offers families guidance in choosing a child care provider, information about quality programs, and referrals to other helpful community resources.
Preschool Open Doors (POD) Program
The Preschool Open Doors (POD) program is specifically focused on providing subsidies for preschool education. It assists families in sending their children to licensed preschools in the two school years immediately before kindergarten. The primary goal of POD is to promote school readiness in children. Unlike the general Child Care Subsidy, POD does not require parents to be engaged in work or training activities. However, income and other eligibility criteria still apply. The POD program has specific application periods each year, with a priority period in the spring and a first-come, first-served period starting in July.
For detailed information on applying for the Preschool Open Doors program, you can visit the PATCH website at https://www.patchhawaii.org/programs/preschool-open-doors/ or the Department’s online application portal at: https://childcaresubsidyapplication.dhs.hawaii.gov/.
Eligibility Requirements for Child Care Subsidies
Each subsidy program has specific eligibility criteria that families must meet.
Child Care Subsidy Eligibility
- Child’s Age: Must be under 13 years old, or between 13 and 18 years old if incapable of self-care and living with parents or caretakers.
- Parent/Caretaker Activity: Parents or caretakers must be employed, attending school, or participating in a job training program. In two-parent households, both parents/caretakers must meet this requirement.
- Income Limits: Gross monthly income must not exceed 85% of the State Median Income based on family size.
- Application and Documentation: A completed application and supporting documents, such as birth certificates and income verification, are necessary to establish eligibility and initiate payments.
- Redetermination: Eligibility is reviewed every 12 months to ensure continued qualification.
- Relevant Rules and Guidelines: HAR §17-798.3 Child Care Payments Rules and Child Care Gross Income Eligibility Limits and Sliding Fee Scale provide further details.
Preschool Open Doors (POD) Eligibility
- Application Periods: Priority application period in spring and first-come, first-served from July 1st to January 31st (or until funds are exhausted). A waitlist is established if funding capacity is reached.
- Priority Criteria (for priority application period): Priority is given based on child’s age, referral documentation, and family income. This includes children:
- Who received POD services the previous year.
- Eligible for kindergarten the following school year.
- Qualifying as a special population (underserved or at-risk).
- Child’s Age: Child must be turning 3 by July 31st, 4 by December 31st, or 5 between August 1st and December 31st of the program year.
- Parent/Caretaker Activity: No activity requirement for parents or caretakers.
- Residency: The child must reside with the applicant.
- Income Eligibility: Household income must meet specific limits.
- Relevant Rules and Guidelines: HAR §17-799 POD Rules, POD Gross Income Limits and Sliding Fee Scale, and DHS 913A POD Special Populations Referral offer detailed guidance.
How to Apply for Child Care Subsidy Programs
Applying for both the Child Care Subsidy and POD programs is straightforward.
Application Process
You can apply online or by mail/email.
Online Application:
- Prepare Documents: Before starting, gather required supporting documents based on your family situation.
- Visit Online Portal: Go to ChildCareSubsidyApplication.dhs.hawaii.gov to apply online and upload documents.
- Note Tracking Number: Record your application tracking number for future reference.
- Submit Application: Once submitted, no edits or document uploads are possible.
- Receive DHS Notification: You will receive a letter regarding your eligibility or requests for further information.
Paper Application:
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Download and Print Application: Download DHS Form 911 from here.
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Complete and Submit: Fill out the form, attach supporting documents, and mail or email to:
Child Care Subsidy Unit
94-275 Mokuola Street, Room 105
Waipahu, Hawaii 96797
Phone: 1-855-643-1643
Email: [Contact Email](mailto:[email protected]) -
Receive DHS Notification: You will receive a letter regarding your eligibility or requests for further information.
Additional Resources
For further assistance in choosing a child care provider and accessing community resources, contact People Attentive To Children (PATCH) at https://www.patchHawaii.org. PATCH offers valuable support and information to families seeking child care solutions. PATCH offices statewide are available to provide local assistance.
Program Forms: (Link to Verification Forms if applicable in original source, though not listed in provided text).
By understanding and utilizing these Child Care Subsidy and Preschool Open Doors programs, families in Hawaii can gain crucial support in accessing quality child care and early education, ensuring a brighter future for their children while pursuing their own educational and career goals.
