Child Care Provider Referrals

Click Here for Childcare Subsidy Information

People Attentive to Children (PATCH)

PATCH will then mail you a childcare referral list with information about each provider and an explanation of the different types of childcare. Learn more about PATCH’s online description of childcare options here.

Provider Selection

It is best to call each provider, set up an interview, visit and observe. These websites will provide you with questions you should ask prospective providers. Locate and Choose Child Care from PATCH.

Safety Checklists for Choosing Child Care

AWARENESS is a must. Learn what to ask and what to look to for in order to select a qualified provider. There are two checklists to choose from. Pick the one that’s right for you. Take the checklists with you on visits. Visit Check Child Care Aware and the UH Center on the Family for more information.

Child Care Providers

HCAPP and PACT
Two programs provide Early Head Start and Head Start on Oahu, HCAPP and PACT.
Early Head Start (0-2) is a federally funded program, providing FREE, childcare services, early childhood education and related comprehensive services to parents with children ages 0 to 2 years old.

Head Start (3-5) is also a federally funded program, providing FREE, childcare to pre-school age children from low-income families.

Over 80 Head Start sites can be found island wide in elementary schools, high schools, churches and community parks. All childcare providers are military-certified or state-licensed.
Full-day (Hours 7am to 5pm) and half-day (8am to 12pm) childcare program options are available. If you qualify for the free half-day program, you are eligible to pay $380.00 per month for full-day childcare. *State and private tuition subsidies are available for eligible families.

Head Start accepts applications all year long. Every January they accept children ages 3 to 5 year old. In order to stay in the program you must to re-apply every year. Application can be downloaded from the Internet. Child Care Connection can pay the $380.00.

To apply you will need:

• Income Verification (pay stubs for past 12 months, tax returns etc.)
• Copy of Child’s Birth Certificate
• Adult TB clearance
• Child TB Clearance
• Copy of Child’s medical insurance card

Apply Early to both HCAP and PACT Early Head Start programs!
Pre Natal parents are welcome. Childcare subsidies are available but there is a wait list. To learn more about subsidy requirements for full or half-day enrollment please contact the PACT EHS/HS office at (808) 842-5996 or (808) 676-2790 and HCAP Oahu Head Start office at (808) 847-2400.

Child care centers and preschools around U.H. Manoa

Child Care at Community Colleges

Other Child Care

Kamaaina Kids has many locations around the island. Contact for locations, hours, ages, tuition and more.

A+ Program is a child care program after school. You can call 737-5544 for more information on the A+ program.

Outer Island Early Head Start/Head Start

Kauai
Child and Family Service runs all Head Start programs on the Island of Kauai. Full-day and half-day Head Start programs are located on four different department of education (DOE) campuses island-wide. Head Start has open enrollment all year long. However, Apply Early and find out about subsidy options. Head Start is an age and income-qualifying program. To learn more about program requirements call Child and Family Services Enrollment Specialist at (808) 240-2823. For an application and further information about the program call Child and Family offices at (808) 245-5914.

Learn more about Child and Family Services Kauai. Click on program and then click on services by island to find information specific about Kauai.

Maui
Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) offices provide residence to the Head Start program on the island of Maui. Apply Early for Head Start at the MEO office in February the year before you want to enroll your child in pre-school. The Head Start pre-school located on the Maui Community College campus, accepts children ages (3-5).

Head Start is an age and income-qualifying program. To learn more about program requirements call Maui Economic Opportunity (MEO) office (808) 249-2988 for an application and further information. Office is open from 7:15 am to 4:00 pm on weekdays.

Call Maui Head Start pre-school at (808) 242-1057 for more information. During the semester the pre-school is open from 7:50 am to 3:20 pm on weekdays.

Visit the website to learn more about Maui Head Start.

Financial Assistance For Child Care

Child Care Connection helps low-income families pay for child-care services for children, ages newborn to 13 years old. Applications are accepted year round; awards are based on family size, income and work or school activity. The application process takes approximately 30 days.

To apply you will need:

• Your resident address
• Childs birth certificate
• Parent and child’s social security numbers
• Past two months pay stubs OR school registration & schedule of classes

Download the online application. Fill out the application and send it to the Child Care Connection office nearest to your home. You can also go to any Child Care Connection Office and pick up an application.

Application Offices on Oahu

Kuakini Unit (Hawaii Kai to Halawa) (808) 832-3800
Nanakuli Unit (Aiea, Wahiawa, Wailua, Waipahu, Makaha) (808) 692-777
Kailua Unit (Makapuu to Haleiwa) (808) 233-5325

Preschool Open Doors
Supported by the Department of Human Services, Preschool Open Doors helps families pay for preschool for children ages 19 months to 5 years. Specialized for children with special needs, English as a second language and the homeless. The application process is approximately 30 days. Call the O’ahu office at (808) 587-5254 Start Early! Applications are accepted between March and April yearly.

The Native Hawaiian Child Care Assistance Project
The project, supported by Alu Like, Inc., assists with the cost of childcare for Native Hawaiian children. Gross family income determines the amount of assistance you may receive. Call (808) 535-1300 to find out if you meet the eligibility for participation. Enrollment: Statewide, there are limited funds available.

Pauahi Keiki Scholars Program
This scholarship program services for children (3-4 yrs. old) of Native Hawaiian ancestry. Preschool program must be approved by Kamehameha Schools. Application deadline is April of each year. Contact: (808) 534-8080

Pointers:

1. APPLY EARLY - If you plan to enroll your child in the Fall semester, call the child center well ahead of time, maybe in January. There may be waiting lists or no seats available if you wait till the last minute.
2. PART DAY, PART WEEK - Ask the provider if there are options for the types of day care. Having your child enrolled for part of the day or week may be more cost effective and may fit your schedule better.
3. TAKE YOUR CHILD TO THE INTERVIEW - When you go on a tour of the day care center, bring your child. Observe you child’s actions. If they are comfortable there, then they probably like it.