Hawaii House Bill HR195

Hawaii 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/10/23
• Refer: 3/15/23

Caption

Urging The Department Of Education To Provide More Funding And Explore Additional Options To Support Afternoon Childcare For Children With Special Needs.

Impact

If adopted, HR195 could facilitate the hiring and training of more childcare aides, improving the availability of resources for families needing afternoon care for their children. By fostering collaboration between the Department of Education and relevant stakeholders, the resolution aims to explore viable options that could enhance the support systems necessary for children with disabilities. This initiative is positioned as a necessary response to the increasing demands on working parents who are returning to physical offices post-pandemic.

Summary

House Resolution 195 urges the Hawaii Department of Education to provide more funding for afternoon childcare programs specifically aimed at children with special needs. The resolution recognizes the substantial burden that childcare costs place on families in Hawaii, particularly as the cost of living in the state remains one of the highest in the nation. The bill stresses the importance of supporting these families not only from a financial standpoint but also in terms of providing adequate care for children with disabilities, which often requires specialized attention.

Contention

There may be concerns regarding the allocation of state funding, as some legislators might debate the priority of childcare funding in the context of broader educational expenditures. Stakeholders may also have differing views on the sufficiency of this funding in genuinely addressing the myriad challenges faced by children with special needs. Ultimately, while the intent of HR195 is to improve childcare access and expertise for affected families, discussions surrounding its execution and funding may bring some contention.