HI HB549

Establishes an Early Learning Apprenticeship Grant Program administered by the University of Hawaii to provide financial support for licensed or registered childcare providers participating in state- or federally-approved early learning apprenticeship programs

Grants priority to early learning providers licensed to care for infants and toddlers and those enrolling children under age three

Eligible grant expenses include personnel wages, training costs, mentorship stipends, administrative expenses, and wage increases needed to attract and retain qualified employees within apprenticeship frameworks

Grant amounts determined by provider size, wage gap between current rates and statutory/industry standards, and other factors such as stipend bonuses or wage supplements

Requires the University of Hawaii to submit annual reports to the legislature detailing the number of grant recipients, apprentices hired, total funds awarded, and documentation of wages paid to apprentices and early learning employees