ByPart 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 in the University of Hawaii system and one private university in Honolulu offer on-campus child care centers. Not only are these day care centers convenient for parents who attend these colleges and universities, but they also serve as “demonstration” schools where students studying early childhood education and child development can observe, learn, and practice the latest instructional techniques. For this reason, even parents who aren’t enrolled students at these colleges and universities seek out these on-campus programs for their children, believing they offer more innovative programs led by more educated staff.
Here’s a list of on-campus child care programs associated with a college or university in Hawaii:
- Hawaii Community College Children’s Center (Hilo, Big Island)
- University of Hawaii at Manoa Children’s Center (Honolulu)
- Kapiolani Community College’s Alani Children’s Center (Honolulu)
- Honolulu Community College’s Keiki Hau’oli Children’s Center (Honolulu)
- Kauai Community College’s Na Kama Pono Early Childhood Development Center (Lihue, Kauai)
- Maui College’s UHMC-MEO Head Start program (Kahului, Maui)
- Chaminade University’s Robert Allen Montessori Center (Honolulu)
Nonprofit Programs
- YMCA – The “Y” offers day care, before- and after-school extended care, summer day camps, and more through these branches:
- YMCA of Honolulu (covers all of Oahu)
- Maui Family YMCA
- Island of Hawaii YMCA (Big Island)
- YMCA of Kauai
- YWCA – Offers preschool, before- and after-school extended care, summer/holiday care, and more through these branches:
- YWCA Hawaii Island (Big Island)
- YWCA Kauai
- YWCA Oahu
- Kama’aina Kids – Offers preschool, before- and after-school extended care, summer day camps, and more at locations throughout the state. Other nonprofits will sometimes staff their child care services by contracting with Kama’aina Kids. For example, Hawaii’s Department of Education uses Kama’aina Kids to run its A+ after-school program at numerous school sites.
- Seagull Schools – Offers child care for kids ages 18 months to 5 years, depending on the location. Some locations also offer summer/holiday care for elementary-age children. Located in Kamuela on the Big Island and in Honolulu, Kailua, Ewa Beach, Kapolei, and Ko Olina on Oahu.
Part 3: Nannies, Au Pairs & Babysitters
Part 4: School-Age Programs
