RELATING TO THE PRESCHOOL OPEN DOORS PROGRAM.

Expanded age eligibility from three- and four-year-olds to include children from birth through kindergarten entry.

Reorganized priority application order to include underserved or at-risk children of all ages, not just specific age groups.

Removed the requirement that preschool open doors program providers must be accredited by national early learning organizations.

Added alternative performance standards allowing providers to maintain funding through satisfactory Classroom Assessment Scoring System ratings instead of accreditation.

Repealed Section 346-184 which contained the accreditation requirements for preschool open doors program providers.

Added new funding provisions to provide upfront grants for accreditation costs and technical assistance to help providers obtain accreditation.

Changed effective date from July 1, 2026 to July 1, 3000 (likely a placeholder or error in the draft text).

Added three-year-old children to the list of eligible participants, expanding the age range from two-year-olds to five-year-olds.

Removed the requirement that child care providers must be accredited by a national early learning organization, allowing more providers to participate.

Changed the program's focus from general school readiness to preparing children through either of Hawaii's two official languages.

Repealed the section requiring upfront grant funding for accreditation and technical assistance, as accreditation is no longer mandatory.

Set the effective date of the Act to January 1, 2026.