State preschool program expands to include 2-year-olds with middle-income families now eligible to apply

More families will have access to preschool education for their keiki starting in January.

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke, serving as Acting Governor, today signed into law Act 203 (House Bill 692), a major expansion of the state’s Preschool Open Doors tuition subsidy program.

The new law, which takes effect on Jan. 1, 2026, expands eligibility to include 2-year-olds and removes accreditation requirements for child care providers, reducing barriers and increasing child care capacity across Hawaiʻi.

“Expanding access to early learning is not just good policy but a commitment to our future, for our children, for our working families, for greater equity,” said Deborah Zysman, executive director for Hawai‘i Childrens Action Network.

Administered by the state’s Department of Human Services, the program provides monthly child care and preschool tuition subsidies to qualifying low- to middle-income families. This legislation marks another milestone in the state’s Ready Keiki plan, led by Luke, to ensure universal access to early learning by 2032.

In addition to the legislation, Luke signed updated administrative rules (HAR 17-799) that further expand access to the program by raising income eligibility to 500% of the federal poverty level (for example, a family of four earning up to $184,896 is now eligible).

“We know that far too many working families fall into the gap—they earn too much to qualify for help but still struggle to afford quality child care. For the first time, a family of four making about $180,000 can qualify for Preschool Open Doors,” Luke said. “This expansion directly addresses that gap and brings us closer to our goal of making early learning truly accessible for all Hawaiʻi families.”

The program will also grant presumptive eligibility for families experiencing homelessness or domestic violence, providing temporary support for up to two months while documentation is gathered. It also caps co-payments at 3% of income, or a maximum of $45 per month.

These changes take effect Friday, just in time for the open enrollment period starting July 1.

Sen. Joy San Buenaventura, who represents Puna, championed the measure in the Senate during the latest legislative session. Following the bill signing, the senator highlighted the new rule that ends annual certification fees for early childhood educator providers, which will increase the pool of providers, hopefully allowing more access.

“So long as they are licensed, they don’t need additional certifications,” San Buenaventura said.

These updates build on a series of recent improvements to the Preschool Open Doors program. In January 2024, new rules extended eligibility to 3-year-olds, increased income thresholds, and reduced co-pays. In July 2024, the program moved to a year-round application with designated priority and open enrollment periods, making it easier for families to apply when they’re ready.

Families across the state are already seeing the real impact of Preschool Open Doors.

Scott Morishige, with the Department of Human Services, said the increase in the income limit is critical for impoverished families as child care is the third highest cost behind housing and food.

“This helps households make ends meet and helps them to thrive,” he said.

Morishige said of the 2,484 kids approved for the 2025-26 school year, 1,357 were 4-year-olds and 1,127 were 3-year-olds. They also received 750 more applications than the department had in prior years.

Luke said the increase in enrollment will not come at the cost of larger class sizes, adding: “We’re keeping class sizes low and that will encourage best learning outcomes.”

To apply to the Preschool Open Doors program, click here, or request an application from PATCH by visiting patchhawaii.org, calling 808-791-2130, or toll-free at 800-746-5620. PATCH can also help families find a preschool that meets their needs.