Quality preschool will open door for student success


As many as 800 disadvantaged children will benefit from quality preschool over the next three years thanks to $6 million in early learning subsidies meant to get students ready to learn when they enter kindergarten.

The subsidies will expand access to early education opportunities for children of low-income families living within the Nanakuli/Waianae and Kau/Keaau/Pahoa complex areas, both designated by the Hawaii State Department of Education as Zones of School Innovation. As part of Hawaii’s Race to the Top plan, initiatives in the Zones will lead the way toward improving public schools statewide.

“Providing our keiki with a seamless transition from pre-K to kindergarten is an invaluable first step in setting the foundation for future academic success,” Superintendent Kathryn Matayoshi said.

Research shows that a valuable preschool experience is critical for the social, moral and emotional development of children. It has the potential to close achievement gaps – a key goal of Hawaii’s Race to the Top plan – by providing students with the necessary skills to maximize learning from day one.

Governor Neil Abercrombie said supporting early learning “is one of the best investments we can make” as it sets the foundation for children to excel in school and graduate ready for college and careers.

About 75 children in the ZSI attend preschools through the Preschool Open Doors, a statewide program administered by PATCH for the state Department of Human Services. The subsidies will allow more children in the ZSI to participate in the program this year.

“This is an example of the kind of investment our state needs to ensure our families can afford to send their child to preschool,” said Terry Lock, the Governor’s Coordinator on Early Childhood. “We will be continuing to look for partnerships among government agencies, nonprofits, businesses and other community programs to help our youngest children.”

Families can apply for subsidies for their 3- and 4-year-old via PATCH’s website, www.patchhawaii.org, or by calling 808-791-2130 or 1-800-746-5620.

Download the preschool tuition assistance flyer: 

Preschool tuition assistance flyer Preschool tuition assistance flyer (155 KB)


September 2011 eNewsletter