Preschool Open doors (POD)
Enrollment Period January 4, 2023 to March 31, 2023
The Department of Human Service (DHS), Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division (BESSD) has begun accepting applications for the 2023-2024 Preschool Open Doors (POD) program. The application period is January 4, 2023 to March 31, 2023.
Children born between August 1, 2018 and July 31, 2019 are eligible to apply for the 2023-2024 POD year. Income eligible limits apply (see below).
Monthly Gross Income Limit
| FAMILY SIZE | GROSS INCOME LIMITS |
|---|---|
| 1 | $2,755 |
| 2 | $3,718 |
| 3 | $4,680 |
| 4 | $5,643 |
| 5 | $6,605 |
| 6 | $7,568 |
| 7 | $8,530 |
| 8 | $9,493 |
The POD program helps eligible Hawaii families pay preschool fees for up to one year during the year prior to kindergarten entry. Priority enrollment goes to underserved or at-risk children whose families complete the POD Special Populations Referral form. The DHS 913A POD form is included in the POD application packet.
To be considered for the 2023-2024 POD year, the POD office must receive your application by the March 31, 2023 deadline. Applications post-marked, but not received by March 31, 2023 will not be considered.
Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance into the POD program. The POD office will mail applicants notification of their application status, no later than April 30, 2023. Depending on your child’s preschool start date, POD assistance may cover enrollment from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
If your family is selected, upon receipt of all required POD enrollment documents, including your selection of the preschool that meets your child’s needs, your child will be enrolled. If you are not selečted for the POD program, your application may be placed on a waiting list. These wait-listed applicants may be selected for future POD participation if funds become available.
The DHS administers the POD program. For more information about POD, call (808) 791-2130 on Oahu, or toll free from the neighbor islands at (800) 746-5620.