Bill > HB692

This bill expands the Preschool Open Doors Program by modifying its eligibility criteria and removing mandatory accreditation requirements for child care providers. The bill changes the program's focus from a "school readiness" program to a broader "early learning" program that supports families in accessing child care services. It extends program eligibility to children in the three years before kindergarten entry and allows parents to choose from licensed group child care centers, group child care homes, or exempt center-based providers. The bill eliminates the previous requirement that providers must be accredited by specific national early learning organizations, instead allowing providers to participate without mandatory accreditation. Parents can still participate voluntarily and will be required to contribute to program costs through a sliding fee scale based on need. The changes aim to increase access to affordable child care services and support the developmental needs of young children in Hawaii, with the bill set to take effect on January 1, 2026. By removing barriers like mandatory accreditation, the legislation seeks to make early learning services more accessible to families across the state.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=692&year=2025