Bill > SB1125

This bill establishes an Early Learning Cooperative Program within the Department of Human Services to address Hawaii's high childcare costs and create innovative, affordable early learning options. The program will create parent-staff cooperative childcare centers that blend professional early childhood education with structured parental involvement, prioritizing rural and underserved communities. These cooperatives will incorporate cultural and place-based learning, focusing on Native Hawaiian principles and local cultural practices, while meeting established quality standards for childcare. The department will develop a standardized parent training program, secure federal funding through the Child Care and Development Block Grant, and establish an advisory council including early childhood education professionals, parent representatives, and cultural practitioners. The cooperatives aim to reduce childcare costs (targeting less than 15% of household income), increase workforce participation, and provide high-quality early childhood education. The bill appropriates $3,850,000 for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to implement the program, with the department required to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing the program's progress, including enrollment rates, cost reductions, workforce participation improvements, and educational outcomes. The program is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1125&year=2026