HI SB1609

Requires the Department of Human Services to establish an Early Learning Services Contracts Program by July 1, 2026, contracting directly with licensed infant and toddler child care centers and family child care centers to reserve seats for families eligible for federal child care subsidies

Program must provide contracts for at least one full classroom at one licensed infant/toddler center and one group child care center per county, with contracts lasting a minimum of 12 months

Serves children ages six weeks to five years whose families qualify for federally funded child care subsidies through the department

Child care centers owned or operated by private educational institutions are ineligible if contracting would violate the Hawaii State Constitution's restrictions on public funding for private schools

Department must submit annual reports to the legislature on program implementation, provider stability impacts, and family satisfaction before the 2026, 2027, and 2028 sessions; program sunsets June 30, 2028