Hawaii childcare licensing is administered by the Department of Human Services. All facilities providing care for 5 or more children must be licensed. Hawaii requires physical room dividers in larger rooms with multiple age groups. The director is counted in ratio only for facilities with 16 or fewer children enrolled.
| Age Group | Staff : Children | Max Group Size |
|---|---|---|
| Infants (6 weeks–12 months) | 1:4 | 8 |
| Infants (12–24 months) | 1:4 | 8 |
| Toddlers (18–36 months) | 1:6 | 12 |
| Preschool (2+ years) | 1:8 | — |
Enrollment Form
Complete enrollment with child information and parent/guardian contacts.
Immunization Records
Current immunization records per Hawaii DOH schedule required on file.
Medical/Health Assessment
Physician-signed health report required for enrollment.
Emergency Contact Information
Names and phone numbers of emergency contacts and authorized pickup persons.
Emergency Medical Authorization
Parental consent for emergency medical care.
Allergy and Dietary Information
Documentation of any food allergies or special dietary needs.
Medication AuthorizationConditional
Written parental authorization for any medication to be administered.
Exemption Policy
Medical and religious exemptions are permitted. Contact the Hawaii Department of Health for current exemption procedures.
Minimum Age
18 years
Background Check
State and federal fingerprint-based criminal background check required for all staff and volunteers.
Lead Teacher Education
Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or equivalent ECE coursework required for lead positions.
Assistant Education
High school diploma or GED required. Pre-service training required before working with children.
CPR / First Aid
Pediatric CPR and First Aid certification required. At least one certified staff member on-site at all times.
Continuing Education
Annual professional development training required. Contact DHS for current hour requirements.
Director Qualifications
Director counted in ratio only for facilities with 16 or fewer children. Director qualification requirements set by DHS.
Inspection Frequency
At least one unannounced inspection annually. Additional inspections based on complaints.
License Renewal
Annual license renewal required.
Application Process
Contact the DHS to begin the application process. Includes background checks, facility inspection, and documentation review.
Licensing Fee
Varies by capacity. Contact DHS for current fee schedule.
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