Hawaii Childcare Licensing Requirements (2026)

Hawaii childcare centers must include a written Hours of Operation section in the parent handbook (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 June 16, 2024; supersedes repealed §17-892.1-6(a)(3).].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 June 16, 2024; supersedes repealed §17-892.1-6(a)(3).]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 childcare centers must include a written Behavior Guidance and Discipline Policy section in the parent handbook (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 [Supersedes repealed §17-892.1-13(4).].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 [Supersedes repealed §17-892.1-13(4).]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 childcare centers must include a written Illness and Exclusion Policy section in the parent handbook (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 [Supersedes repealed §17-892.1-24 / -23.].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 [Supersedes repealed §17-892.1-24 / -23.]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 childcare centers must include a written Medication Administration Policy section in the parent handbook (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.]

Hawaii childcare centers must include a written Emergency Procedures section in the parent handbook (Fire, severe weather, lockdown, and medical emergency procedures; evacuation routes.) per HAR §17-892.2-61 (Disaster plan for emergencies — evacuation, relocation, shelter-in-place, lock-down, reunification, continuity); see also §17-892.2-42 (Emergency care provisions). [Supersedes repealed §17-892.1-31 / -21.].

HAR §17-892.2-61 (Disaster plan for emergencies — evacuation, relocation, shelter-in-place, lock-down, reunification, continuity); see also §17-892.2-42 (Emergency care provisions). [Supersedes repealed §17-892.1-31 / -21.]

Hawaii childcare centers must include a written Arrival and Departure Procedures section in the parent handbook (Sign-in/sign-out requirements; authorized pick-up persons; late pick-up fees.) per HAR §17-892.2-15 (Information and records on each child) — §17-892.2-15(b)(4) emergency contact persons, §17-892.2-15(b)(5) persons authorized to take the child from the facility; release/admittance handled per §17-892.2-16. [Supersedes repealed §17-892.1-9.].

HAR §17-892.2-15 (Information and records on each child) — §17-892.2-15(b)(4) emergency contact persons, §17-892.2-15(b)(5) persons authorized to take the child from the facility; release/admittance handled per §17-892.2-16. [Supersedes repealed §17-892.1-9.]

Which agency regulates childcare licensing in Hawaii?

Childcare licensing in Hawaii is regulated by the Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS), Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division (BESSD) — Child Care Licensing Program. Official licensing information is published at https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/child-care-program/child-care-licensing/.

How many handbook policy sections does Hawaii require?

Hawaii requires at least 13 mandatory policy sections in a licensed center's parent handbook, each backed by a specific state regulatory citation.

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 happens if a Hawaii center is out of compliance?

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.