More than 200 Native Hawaiian and part-Hawaiian families will receive more child care services through Maui Family Support Services after the agency receives a $1 million federal grant, U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard announced.

The funding will help increase the availability and improve the quality of child care programs for Hawaiian children, Gabbard said.

“Hawaii families should not have to choose between their child’s safety and meeting day-to-day needs,” she said. “Yet a lack of access to quality and affordable child care, especially on our Neighbor Islands, makes it increasingly difficult for families to make ends meet. This federal funding for the Quality Care for Hawaiian Keiki project will increase the number of quality child care providers in Maui County and help make child care more affordable and accessible for more than 200 Native Hawaiian families in need.”

The program provides Native Hawaiian and part-Hawaiian families with child care subsidies, which allow parents to work, go to school or attend training, said Edeluisa Baguio-Larena, chief executive officer of Maui Family Support Services.

“For families who are working part time or going to school part time, this grant will also assist them in increasing their work hours or school credits as they will be able to afford child care, Baguio-Larena said.

The funding also may be used for professional development of child care providers.