Hawaii Childcare Licensing
Hawaii Childcare Staff-to-Child Ratios (2026)
Hawaii sets a maximum staff-to-child ratio for each age band a licensed center serves. The strictest ratio applies to the youngest children: Under 24 months (under 2 years) must be supervised 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). Meeting these ratios at all times is a core Hawaii licensing condition.
Licensing Agency
Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS), Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division (BESSD) — Child Care Licensing Program →Last updated: April 2026
Researched by the TotReady Research TeamHawaii Staff-to-Child Ratios: The Specifics
In Hawaii, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the Under 24 months (under 2 years) age group is 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).
In Hawaii, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 2 years old age group is 1:8 (one staff member per 8 children; maximum group size 16) — HAR §17-892.2-36(d).
In Hawaii, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 3 years old age group is 1:12 (one staff member per 12 children; maximum group size 24) — HAR §17-892.2-36(d).
In Hawaii, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 4 years old age group is 1:16 (one staff member per 16 children; maximum group size 32) — HAR §17-892.2-36(d).
In Hawaii, the maximum staff-to-child ratio for the 5 years and older age group is 1:20 (one staff member per 20 children; maximum group size 40) — HAR §17-892.2-36(d).
Hawaii DOES impose a maximum group size in addition to staff-child ratios: group child care centers are capped at 16 children for two-year-olds, 24 for three-year-olds, 32 for four-year-olds, and 40 for five-and-older (with corresponding ratios of 1:8, 1:12, 1:16, and 1:20, and infants under 24 months not permitted in group child care centers), and 'the maximum group size of the number of children in one group shall not be exceeded' (HAR § 17-892.2-36(d)-(e)).
HAR § 17-892.2-36(d)-(e)
Infant and toddler child care centers have maximum group sizes of 6, 8, 10, or 12 depending on age (HAR § 17-895-17(f)).
HAR § 17-895-17(f)
Hawaii Staff-to-Child Ratios at a Glance
| Under 24 months (under 2 years) | 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) |
|---|---|
| 2 years old | 1:8 (one staff member per 8 children; maximum group size 16) — HAR §17-892.2-36(d) |
| 3 years old | 1:12 (one staff member per 12 children; maximum group size 24) — HAR §17-892.2-36(d) |
| 4 years old | 1:16 (one staff member per 16 children; maximum group size 32) — HAR §17-892.2-36(d) |
| 5 years and older | 1:20 (one staff member per 20 children; maximum group size 40) — HAR §17-892.2-36(d) |
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Hawaii Staff-to-Child Ratios: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the infant staff-to-child ratio in Hawaii?
Hawaii requires a staff-to-child ratio of 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) for the Under 24 months (under 2 years) age group.
Does Hawaii cap maximum group size?
Hawaii DOES impose a maximum group size in addition to staff-child ratios: group child care centers are capped at 16 children for two-year-olds, 24 for three-year-olds, 32 for four-year-olds, and 40 for five-and-older (with corresponding ratios of 1:8, 1:12, 1:16, and 1:20, and infants under 24 months not permitted in group child care centers), and 'the maximum group size of the number of children in one group shall not be exceeded' (HAR § 17-892.2-36(d)-(e)). Infant and toddler child care centers have maximum group sizes of 6, 8, 10, or 12 depending on age (HAR § 17-895-17(f)).
How many staff do I need for my Hawaii classroom?
Divide the number of children in each age group by the maximum ratio shown above, rounding up. Hawaii ratios must be maintained continuously, including during naps, meals, and transitions.
Hawaii childcare licensing rules are amended regularly. This page is compiled from published Hawaii administrative codes and statutes for informational purposes only — always verify current requirements with the Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS), Benefit, Employment and Support Services Division (BESSD) — Child Care Licensing Program before relying on them. TotReady provides information and document templates, not legal or regulatory advice.