Bill > SB712

This bill expands the Preschool Open Doors Program in Hawaii by modifying several key aspects of child care assistance. The program will now serve children from two to five years old (previously limited to three and four-year-olds) until they enter kindergarten, and removes the previous complex priority system for program enrollment. The bill eliminates the requirement that program providers be accredited by national early learning organizations, instead allowing participation from licensed group child care centers, licensed group child care homes, registered family child care centers, and exempt center-based providers. The program's copayment structure is simplified, with parents now paying up to one dollar instead of the previous sliding fee scale. The bill aims to enhance access to early learning services by reducing barriers for child care providers and expanding eligibility, with the goal of supporting families in accessing developmental services for young children. The program continues to focus on supporting children's physical, cognitive, linguistic, social, and emotional development, and preparing children for school in either of Hawaii's two official languages.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=712&year=2025