HB1377

Establishes early learning cooperatives in Hawaii to reduce childcare costs and increase workforce participation.

Hawaii HB1377 establishes early learning cooperatives, which are parent-staff partnerships providing childcare. These cooperatives aim to achieve high capacity utilization, reduce childcare costs to 15% of household income, and increase workforce participation by at least 10%. The bill outlines funding strategies, including integrating federal and state funds, and mandates a standardized training program for parents. It also creates an advisory council to oversee cooperatives and requires annual reports on their performance.