Bill > HB549

This bill establishes an Early Learning Apprenticeship Grant Program to be administered by the University of Hawaii, aimed at providing financial support to early learning program service providers participating in state or federally-approved apprenticeship programs. The program will prioritize providers caring for infants and toddlers, and will offer grants to help cover costs such as personnel expenses, training, mentorship, administrative costs, and wage increases. The university will determine grant amounts based on factors like provider size, wage differences, and potential stipends, with the goal of helping providers meet required or industry-standard wage rates. Grant recipients must be licensed child care providers, and the program seeks to address workforce shortages in early learning by creating pathways for professional development and career advancement. The university is required to submit an annual report to the legislature detailing the number of providers receiving grants, apprentices hired, funds awarded, and how the grants were used. The bill recognizes that quality early learning programs support child development, help working families, and contribute to the state's economic prosperity, with an ultimate aim of creating a more skilled and stable early learning workforce.

Budget and Finance, Education, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=549&year=2026