Hawaii offers vital support to families through its Child Care Subsidy and Preschool Open Doors (POD) programs. These initiatives aim to make quality child care accessible and affordable, enabling parents to pursue employment, education, and job training. Understanding the nuances of each program, especially regarding who can be a care provider, is crucial for eligible families. This article delves into these programs, with a focus on whether a son or family member can provide care under the Preschool Open Doors program.
Understanding Hawaii’s Child Care Subsidy Programs
Hawaii’s Department of Human Services (DHS) administers two primary subsidy programs designed to assist families with child care costs: the Child Care Subsidy program and the Preschool Open Doors (POD) program. While both programs offer financial aid, they cater to different needs and have distinct eligibility criteria.
The Child Care Subsidy Program
The Child Care Subsidy program is designed to support low-income families who need child care to maintain employment, pursue educational goals, or participate in job training. To qualify for this program, families must meet specific income requirements and demonstrate an eligible activity, such as employment or enrollment in school or a training program. This subsidy assists with child care for children under 13 years old (or up to 18 if the child has special needs).
Eligible child care arrangements under this program are diverse, including care in the child’s home, care provided by relatives or friends, before- and after-school programs, and preschools. Importantly, even if a child care provider is not officially licensed, they must undergo child abuse/neglect, adult perpetrator, and criminal history background checks to receive subsidy payments, ensuring a safe environment for the child.
The Preschool Open Doors (POD) Program
The Preschool Open Doors (POD) program is a separate initiative specifically focused on early childhood education. It provides subsidies for families sending their children to licensed preschools in the two years leading up to kindergarten. The primary goal of POD is to promote school readiness, focusing on the child’s developmental needs. Unlike the general Child Care Subsidy program, POD does not require parents to be engaged in work or training activities. Eligibility for POD is primarily based on income and the child’s age, with priority given to children closer to kindergarten age and those from underserved or at-risk populations.
POD subsidies are specifically for licensed group child care homes or centers, commonly known as preschools. The application period for POD is time-limited, with a priority period in the spring and a first-come, first-served period starting in July.
Can a Son (or Family Member) Be Your Child Care Provider?
The question of whether a son or another family member can be a child care provider is relevant to both subsidy programs, but the answer differs slightly depending on the program and the specific circumstances.
Under the general Child Care Subsidy program, care provided by relatives or friends is an eligible child care setting. This means a son, daughter, sibling, or other family member can potentially be a paid caregiver if they meet the program’s requirements and undergo the necessary background checks. The subsidy can be used to compensate a family member for providing care in their home or the child’s home.
However, the Preschool Open Doors (POD) program has a different focus. POD subsidies are specifically for licensed preschool settings. Therefore, under the POD program, a family cannot directly receive a subsidy to pay a son or family member to provide care unless that family member is operating a licensed preschool and the child is enrolled in that preschool. The POD program is designed to support access to formal preschool education in licensed facilities, not informal care arrangements, even those provided by family.
This image is a brochure for the Child Care Subsidy program in Hawaii, highlighting the application process and key benefits for families seeking assistance with childcare expenses.
In summary:
- Child Care Subsidy Program: Yes, a son or family member can be a paid caregiver, provided they pass background checks and the family meets eligibility criteria.
- Preschool Open Doors (POD) Program: No, a son or family member cannot be directly paid as a caregiver under POD unless they operate a licensed preschool and the child is enrolled in that preschool program. POD funds are for licensed preschools only.
How to Apply for Child Care Subsidies in Hawaii
Applying for both the Child Care Subsidy and POD programs involves a similar process, although the POD program has specific application periods.
Application Process for Child Care Subsidy:
- Online Application: The most convenient method is to apply online through the Child Care Subsidy Application Portal. Applicants will need to upload supporting documents, such as birth certificates and income verification.
- Paper Application: Alternatively, you can download and print the Application for Child Care Services (DHS 911), complete it, and mail or email it along with supporting documents to the Child Care Subsidy Unit.
Application Process for Preschool Open Doors (POD):
- Application Periods: Be mindful of the application periods, with priority application in the spring and first-come, first-served starting July 1st.
- Apply Online: The online application portal is also used for POD applications: ChildCareSubsidyApplication.dhs.hawaii.gov.
- PATCH Website: For detailed information and guidance on POD, visit the PATCH website: https://www.patchhawaii.org/programs/preschool-open-doors/.
For both programs, it’s essential to gather all required documentation before applying and to keep your application tracking number for online submissions. The DHS will notify you of your eligibility status and any further steps required.
Resources and Further Information
For additional support and resources, People Attentive To Children (PATCH) is a valuable organization in Hawaii. PATCH provides guidance on choosing child care providers, information about quality child care programs, and referrals to other community resources. You can explore their services and find contact information for their statewide offices on their website: https://www.patchHawaii.org.
This is an information sheet for Hawaii’s Preschool Open Doors program, detailing eligibility requirements, application timelines, and the program’s focus on early childhood education in licensed preschool settings.
Conclusion
Hawaii’s Child Care Subsidy and Preschool Open Doors programs offer crucial financial assistance to families seeking child care. While the Child Care Subsidy program allows for a broader range of care arrangements, including care by family members like a son, the Preschool Open Doors program is specifically targeted at licensed preschools. Understanding these distinctions is key for families to access the right support. By exploring the resources provided by the DHS and organizations like PATCH, families can navigate the application process effectively and secure the child care assistance they need.
