HI SB1609

Establishes an Early Learning Services Contracts Program to be implemented by the Department of Human Services no later than July 1, 2026.

Requires DHS to contract directly with licensed infant and toddler child care centers and through intermediaries with family child care centers serving children six weeks to five years old whose families are eligible for federally funded child care subsidies.

Program shall provide contracts for at least one full classroom at one licensed infant and toddler child care center and one licensed group child care center per county, with minimum twelve-month contract terms that may be extended.

Department may monitor seat utilization and adjust contracted seats based on enrollment trends and provider performance, with authority to modify or terminate contracts for consistently low utilization.

Program sunsets on June 30, 2028, with DHS required to submit annual reports to the legislature on program development, implementation, impacts on provider stability and family satisfaction, and any proposed legislation.