A guide for new and future residents
Part 1: Overview Types Of Providers In Hawaii, there are 3 types of child care providers that are defined and regulated by state laws: A license-exempt provider (like a relative, friend, or babysitter) can care for up to 2 children who are not related to them. A licensed family child care home has a caretaker … Read more
Part 1: Overview Part 2: Statewide Programs There are hundreds of child care programs to choose from in Hawaii, and many are unique, stand-alone facilities. But there are some larger programs that have locations throughout the state, offering similiar services to families at various locations in Hawaii. College- & University-Affiliated Programs Six of the campuses … Read more
Part 1: Overview Part 2: Statewide Programs Part 3: Nannies, Au Pairs & Babysitters Some families in Hawaii prefer to have their children cared for in their own home — sometimes for the sake of convenience (no drop off and pick up at a day care center) and sometimes for the sake of the children … Read more
Part 1: Overview Part 2: Statewide Programs Part 3: Nannies, Au Pairs & Babysitters Part 4: School-Age Programs Kindergarten Eligibility Hawaii is one of 12 states in the U.S. that doesn’t have state-funded preschool, so families in which both parents work outside the home must make their own arrangements for full-time child care — whether … Read more
Although Hawaii is one of 12 states in the U.S. that doesn’t offer state-funded preschool for all of its children, it does fund: Special-education preschool for children ages 3-5 with disabilities. Early-intervention services for children under age 3 with developmental delays or special health needs. To get more info or to enroll in either of … Read more
NOTE: If you’re interested in finding a private school for a child age 15 months-6 years, I recommend also reading my post Preschools In Hawaii. In 2009, average test scores in reading, math, and science for 4th- and 8th-grade students enrolled in Hawaii’s public schools were all below the national average. Because of their dissatisfaction … Read more
Hawaii is the only state in U.S. that has just one school district (Department of Education) that governs all public schools in the state. Hawaii’s Department of Education also sets policies such as high school graduation requirements and curriculum standards. For administrative purposes, the Department of Education is divided into 7 subdistricts: Hawaii District (Big … Read more
If you have a child with with special needs, there are some schools and educational programs in Hawaii that you should know about for children with disabilities, emotional/behavioral problems, and specific learning needs. Some of these schools and programs are run by private organizations and charge tuition. Others are funded through various state and nonprofit … Read more
Parents in Hawaii choose to homeschool their children for a variety of reasons: religious beliefs, dissatisfaction with the quality of public education, having a child with special learning needs, etc. And homeschooling seems to produce good results: According to the National Home Education Research Institute, homeschooled students score 15-30 percentile points higher than public-school students … Read more
When it comes to post-secondary education in Hawaii, there are surprisingly many options for a relatively small U.S. state. Public post-secondary schools include the Hawaii Department of Education adult community schools and the state’s expansive University of Hawaii system. There are also several private colleges and universities to choose from, as well as vocational schools … Read more
Hawaii (and in particular, Honolulu) is teeming with English-language instruction schools. Many (but not all) cater to foreign nationals who want to live in Hawaii on an F-1 student visa, and thus offer programs that meet federal visa requirements. (If you’re seeking a student visa, make sure the school you choose is SEVIS-approved and the … Read more
If you have an unexpired drivers license from another U.S. state, Canada, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or the Northern Mariana Islands: You may continue to use that license to drive in Hawaii, as long as you are at least 18 years old. If you are under age 18, you must … Read more
