THE COLE ACADEMY
Subsidies & ScholarshipsSubsidies Available
Making Quality Early Childhood Education Affordable
At The Cole Academy, we believe every child deserves access to the highest quality early childhood education—no matter their family’s financial situation. That’s why we work closely with families to help them access childcare subsidies and scholarships that can significantly reduce tuition costs. In some cases, bringing parents’ out-of-pocket cost all the way down to $0.
Why Subsidies Matter
We understand that cost is one of the biggest factors families consider when choosing a preschool or childcare provider. The good news is that there are several subsidy programs available in Hawaii designed to make early learning accessible and affordable. By combining state-funded programs, military benefits, and employer assistance, families are often surprised at just how affordable enrollment can be.
Types of Subsidies Available
Child Care Connection Hawaii (DHS Program)
A state-funded program that helps working parents, job seekers, and those in school with childcare costs. Awards are based on income and family size.
Preschool Open Doors (POD)
Provides tuition subsidies for children in the year before kindergarten, helping ensure every child is ready to succeed in school.
Military Child Care Subsidy Programs
Active duty military families may qualify for tuition assistance through Child Care Aware® of America and other military programs.
Employer Tuition Assistance
Some employers offer childcare benefits or flexible spending accounts that can be applied toward tuition. Check with your HR department.
The Bottom Line
How Much Can Families Save?
Here are a few examples of how subsidies can lower tuition:
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A family of four with an annual income of $60,000 may qualify for full subsidy coverage, bringing tuition down to $0. [CCCH]
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A single parent working full time could receive substantial assistance, reducing monthly tuition to just a fraction of the standard cost.
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Military families may have most, if not all, childcare expenses covered through federal programs.
Depending on your income, family size, and circumstances, many families qualify for partial or even full coverage of tuition costs. Some parents pay very little out of pocket, and others pay nothing at all. Our team can help guide you through the subsidy application process to see what level of support your family may receive.
Every family’s situation is different. Our team is here to walk you through the options and help you apply for the programs you’re eligible for.
How To
Apply For Subsidies
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Complete The Cole Academy Enrollment Form
Begin the enrollment process with us so we can confirm placement availability. -
Apply for Childcare Subsidies
We’ll guide you to the correct subsidy programs and help you prepare the necessary paperwork. -
Work With Our Admissions Team
Our team will assist with forms, documentation, and next steps to ensure you get the maximum assistance available.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for childcare subsidies?
Eligibility depends on family income, household size, and work/school status. Many families qualify for partial or full tuition assistance.
What documents will I need?
Most programs require proof of income (pay stubs or tax returns), identification, and proof of residency.
Can subsidies cover the entire tuition?
Yes. Many families qualify for full coverage, bringing their cost to $0.
SUBSIDIES AND
Scholarships
A variety of subsidies and scholarships are available to help offset the cost of tuition.
State of Hawaii Child Care Subsidy Program
Per the state Department of Human Services: “The Child Care Subsidy Program helps low-income families to sustain their employment, educational efforts, and job training by paying a subsidy for their children who are in the care of DHS-approved Child Care Providers. Unless Child Care is required for protective purposes, families must meet income and activity requirements to qualify for this subsidy program.
The Preschool Open Doors (POD) program is a separate subsidy program with funds that provides services state-wide to families sending their children to a licensed preschool during the two (2) school years prior to kindergarten entry. The goal of POD is to promote school readiness for children, and the program focuses on meeting the needs of the child. Parents are not required to have an eligible activity, unlike the Child Care Subsidy program, but they must meet income and other eligibility requirements. For POD, there is an initial application period established and published each year with the possibility of additional application periods dependent on the availability of funding.“
More Resources
Pauahi Keiki Scholars – Kamehameha Schools
Keiki o Ka ‘Aina HELP Childcare Subsidy Program: Services for Native Hawaiian children. Applications accepted year-round. Oahu & Neighbor Islands: 808-845-3454.
Website: https://www.koka.org/help-for-childcare/
Military Programs: Military members are eligible to receive a monthly subsidy to help offset child care costs. Eligibility may vary by military branch. To determine if you are eligible, visit https://www.
Tax Credits and Assistance
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
You may be able to lower your taxes and even get up to several thousand dollars back if you qualify for the EITC. To qualify, you must be working full- or part-time and make less than a certain amount based upon family size. You don’t have to owe any taxes to get the EITC.
Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit
If you have a child under 13 and owe federal income taxes, this tax credit can help cover a portion or all of the taxes you owe if you qualify.
Dependent Care Assistance Programs
Your employer may offer this program, which allows you to have money taken out of your paycheck tax-free and put into a special account to be used for child care tuition reimbursement. The main purpose of this type of program is to lower the amount of taxes you have to pay during the year. However, you can’t claim any money you put into this account for the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (described above).
Give Your Child the Best Start—Affordably
Don’t let cost stand in the way of your child’s future. With the right combination of subsidies and scholarships, a high-quality education at The Cole Academy may cost far less than you think!
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Please call or text the enrollment line at 808-469-8900, or email sally@thecoleacademy.com to set up a tour.