Hawaii Childcare Daycare Inspection Prep (2026)

Authorized DHS representatives (and parents/guardians of enrolled children) may visit a facility at any time during hours of operation for monitoring and inspection (HAR §17-892.2-3(a))

HAR §17-892.2-3(a)

renewal requires departmental re-evaluation including inspection.

HAR §17-892.2-3(a)

Licensing period (HAR §17-892.2-3(j)): 1 year for new applicants and providers licensed less than four years, and up to 2 years for providers licensed four years or more (unless sooner suspended/revoked)

HAR §17-892.2-3(j)

a provisional license may be issued for up to 6 months.

HAR §17-892.2-3(a)

Renewal application due at least 90 days before expiration.

HAR §17-892.2-3(a)

Background-check re-screening occurs annually (HAR §17-892.2-3(d)).

HAR §17-892.2-3(d)

Statutory penalty under HRS §346-156 (Penalty

under HRS §3

remedies): any person/entity violating any provision of HRS ch. 346 Part VIII (Child Care) or any rule adopted thereunder shall be fined up to $1,000 for each day of violation

Child Care

HAR §17-892.2-4 (Fines): operating a child care facility without a license is a violation punishable by a fine not to exceed the maximum allowable under law

HAR §17-892.2-4

additional fineable offenses (which may also lead to denial/suspension/revocation) include exceeding licensed capacity, violating staff-child ratios, improperly certifying staff credentials, failing to comply with timely background-check requests (ch. 17-801), allowing conditions of risk/imminent danger to children or resulting injuries, and failure to report suspected child abuse or neglect.

ch. 17-801

A license shall be immediately suspended where conditions constitute an imminent danger to children's health, welfare, or safety (HAR §17-892.2-5(b))

HAR §17-892.2-5(b)

During a Hawaii childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the Under 24 months (under 2 years) age group must be staffed at no looser than Not permitted in a group child care center / group child care home (per HAR §17-892.2-36(d) Ratio and Group Size Chart I; infants/toddlers are served under HAR Chapter 17-895.1).

During a Hawaii childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 2 years old age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:8 (one staff member per 8 children; maximum group size 16) — HAR §17-892.2-36(d).

During a Hawaii childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 3 years old age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:12 (one staff member per 12 children; maximum group size 24) — HAR §17-892.2-36(d).

During a Hawaii childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 4 years old age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:16 (one staff member per 16 children; maximum group size 32) — HAR §17-892.2-36(d).

During a Hawaii childcare inspection, staff-to-child ratios are verified: the 5 years and older age group must be staffed at no looser than 1:20 (one staff member per 20 children; maximum group size 40) — HAR §17-892.2-36(d).

Hawaii inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Hours of Operation policy (Days and hours the facility is open; holiday closures; late pick-up policy.) per Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) §17-892.2-12(a)(3) (Statement of operation policies — specific hours of day, night, holiday, and vacation operation). [Current Chapter 892.2, eff. June 16, 2024; supersedes repealed §17-892.1-6(a)(3).].

Hawaii Administrative Rules (HAR) §17-892.2-12(a)(3) (Statement of operation policies — specific hours of day, night, holiday, and vacation operation). [Current Chapter 892.2, eff. June 16, 2024; supersedes repealed §17-892.1-6(a)(3).]

Hawaii inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy policy (Positive guidance techniques used; prohibited discipline methods; progressive steps.) per HAR §17-892.2-25 (Program provisions) — §17-892.2-25(4)(C) requires constructive guidance and clear-cut limits fostering self-discipline; §17-892.2-25(4)(E) prohibits physical punishment/abuse/harm (spanking, pinching, slapping, shaking) and methods of influencing behavior that are frightening, humiliating, damaging, neglectful, or injurious. [Supersedes repealed §17-892.1-13(4).].

HAR §17-892.2-25 (Program provisions) — §17-892.2-25(4)(C) requires constructive guidance and clear-cut limits fostering self-discipline; §17-892.2-25(4)(E) prohibits physical punishment/abuse/harm (spanking, pinching, slapping, shaking) and methods of influencing behavior that are frightening, humiliating, damaging, neglectful, or injurious. [Supersedes repealed §17-892.1-13(4).]

Hawaii inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Illness and Exclusion Policy policy (Symptoms requiring exclusion; readmission criteria; communicable disease procedures.) per HAR §17-892.2-46 (Non-admission of ill children) [companion: §17-892.2-44 Admission of ill children]. [Supersedes repealed §17-892.1-24 / -23.].

HAR §17-892.2-46 (Non-admission of ill children) [companion: §17-892.2-44 Admission of ill children]. [Supersedes repealed §17-892.1-24 / -23.]

Hawaii inspectors verify that the parent handbook includes a written Medication Administration Policy policy (Procedures for administering prescription and non-prescription medications; authorization requirements.) per HAR §17-892.2-45 (Administration of medication) — Chapter 892.2 (eff. June 16, 2024) added a standalone medication-administration section: prescription meds kept in original labeled container with parent/guardian authorization (§17-892.2-45(a)); OTC meds require written parent/guardian or physician permission and instructions (§17-892.2-45(b)). Operation-policy basis: §17-892.2-12(a)(15) (policy on administering medication); see also §17-892.2-12(a)(9) (plan for emergency medical care). [NOTE: the predecessor repealed Chapter 892.1 had NO standalone medication section; that limitation no longer applies under 892.2.].

HAR §17-892.2-45 (Administration of medication) — Chapter 892.2 (eff. June 16, 2024) added a standalone medication-administration section: prescription meds kept in original labeled container with parent/guardian authorization (§17-892.2-45(a)); OTC meds require written parent/guardian or physician permission and instructions (§17-892.2-45(b)). Operation-policy basis: §17-892.2-12(a)(15) (policy on administering medication); see also §17-892.2-12(a)(9) (plan for emergency medical care). [NOTE: the predecessor repealed Chapter 892.1 had NO standalone medication section; that limitation no longer applies under 892.2.]

How often does Hawaii inspect licensed childcare centers?

Authorized DHS representatives (and parents/guardians of enrolled children) may visit a facility at any time during hours of operation for monitoring and inspection (HAR §17-892.2-3(a)); renewal requires departmental re-evaluation including inspection. Licensing period (HAR §17-892.2-3(j)): 1 year for new applicants and providers licensed less than four years, and up to 2 years for providers licensed four years or more (unless sooner suspended/revoked); a provisional license may be issued for up to 6 months. Renewal application due at least 90 days before expiration. Background-check re-screening occurs annually (HAR §17-892.2-3(d)).

What do Hawaii inspectors check during a childcare inspection?

Hawaii childcare inspectors typically verify: (1) staff-to-child ratios are met for every age group, (2) staff CPR/First Aid certifications and background checks are current, (3) each child's file contains required enrollment, immunization, and emergency-contact records, (4) fire-drill logs are complete, (5) the parent handbook covers all required policy sections, and (6) the physical environment is free of hazards such as unsecured cleaning supplies and missing outlet covers.

What happens if a Hawaii childcare center fails an inspection?

Statutory penalty under HRS §346-156 (Penalty; remedies): any person/entity violating any provision of HRS ch. 346 Part VIII (Child Care) or any rule adopted thereunder shall be fined up to $1,000 for each day of violation; the fine may be up to $3,000 for each day for a violation of HRS §346-161 or §346-171. The department may enforce via administrative and/or judicial proceedings. HAR §17-892.2-4 (Fines): operating a child care facility without a license is a violation punishable by a fine not to exceed the maximum allowable under law; additional fineable offenses (which may also lead to denial/suspension/revocation) include exceeding licensed capacity, violating staff-child ratios, improperly certifying staff credentials, failing to comply with timely background-check requests (ch. 17-801), allowing conditions of risk/imminent danger to children or resulting injuries, and failure to report suspected child abuse or neglect. A license shall be immediately suspended where conditions constitute an imminent danger to children's health, welfare, or safety (HAR §17-892.2-5(b)); denial/suspension/revocation procedures and appeal rights are in HAR §17-892.2-5.

How can I prepare my Hawaii childcare center for an unannounced inspection?

Use the /inspection-check tool on TotReady to run a pre-inspection self-audit. Key areas: confirm all staff ratios are met and documented, verify CPR and background-check expiration dates, audit every child file for completeness, check that fire-drill logs are current, and walk the facility for physical hazards (unsecured chemicals, missing outlet covers, blocked exits).

Which handbook sections do Hawaii inspectors verify?

Hawaii inspectors check that the parent handbook includes these required sections: Hours of Operation, Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy, Illness and Exclusion Policy, Medication Administration Policy. Each must be present and comply with the cited Hawaii administrative code.