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Expanded Tuition Assistance at YWCA Preschool

It’s no secret that preschool and other early learning opportunities help children gain essential skills, be prepared for school and chart a course for lifelong success.

YWCA of Hawaii Island Preschool does all that and more, offering schooling year-round, a full 9.5-hour day to accommodate working families, daily nutritious breakfast, lunch and snack, and a nationally accredited, developmental learning program that addresses every aspect of early childhood education.

And while costs for everything from gas and groceries to housing have gone up in recent years, YWCA is committed to ensuring that quality preschool education and childcare remains within reach for Hawaii island families. “We are proud to ensure that our preschool program is accessible to virtually all keiki, regardless of income level,” said Kathleen McGilvray, CEO of YWCA of Hawaii Island.

In fact, many families who may have assumed they wouldn’t qualify for tuition assistance might be surprised to find that they actually do. The Department of Human Services (DHS) this year expanded the Preschool Open Doors program to eligible 3-year-olds, and is helping families better afford preschool with increased gross income eligibility limits. Families that may have been over income in previous years may now qualify if they have eligible 3- or 4-year-old children and need help with preschool tuition.

For the 2024-2025 Preschool Open Doors program, the application period is July 1, 2024, through January 31, 2025. Children born between August 1, 2019, and July 31, 2021 are eligible to apply for the 2024-2025 school year. McGilvray expects that about 75 percent of YWCA Preschool families will qualify for tuition assistance this year.

Interested families may apply online here or request an application from PATCH, by visiting patchhawaii.org or calling 808-791-2130 or toll free 1-800-746-5620.

Michelle Flemming, YWCA Preschool director, said YWCA also provides temporary tuition assistance for families facing circumstantial need such as an unexpected job loss or injury. Families can apply directly to YWCA of Hawaii island to receive up to 50 percent off tuition for a period of three to six months.

“Every child deserves the best possible chance for a lifetime of successful learning,” she said. “We’re here for them. Together we’re building a bright future our island’s keiki and families.”

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