TRiO SSS Scoop: Tuition assistance for CHILD CARE!

Monday, August 3, 2020

Tuition assistance for CHILD CARE!

TRiO SSS and Paipai ohana,

The HELP (Hawai’i Early Learning Partnerships) program is for a Child Care Program to provide child care tuition assistance, including ‘ohana in-home care with a relative or non-relative. The Federal government is sponsoring a multi-year program, offering tuition support for 12-month periods. Focused on serving Native Hawaiian, Native American, and Alaska Native families with keiki ages infant to age 12. See attachment.

Parents may select from a variety of childcare options for keiki, infant to age 12 such as:

- ‘Ohana (relative & non-relative) care in child’s home;

- Family Home Providers;

- Licensed Child Care Centers for toddlers and preschoolers; and

- Before/After School Programs.

A few important details to note:

- The HELP Program supports families who are working, actively looking for work, attending school, or in job training.

- Eligibility is based on income and household size.

- HELP can provide support for childcare for parents working from home who have an in-home childcare (‘Ohana care).

- Background checks are required for all childcare providers.

Visit www.koka.org to complete the pre-application, or directly at https://www.koka.org/help-for-childcare. Feel free to email them at help@koka.org with any questions.

The second program is for youths, called Ho`ohiki Pilina Program which means, “to grow relationships.” It is through this evidence-based program designed to help youth, ages 14-18, with one of the most profound changes in their life - the building of relationships and mutual respect.   Youth are able to experience the process of using positive values for decision-making for life goals.  This experience provides youth the necessary tools to help make positive relationship decisions for the rest of their lives. Check out hpp.koka.org,  for questions or to enroll your teen. See attachment.