Applying for a Child Care Center License
- Applicants should read and review the Hawaii Administrative Rules, Chapter 892.1, Licensing of Group Child Care Centers and Group Child Care Homes; Chapter 895, Infant and Toddler Child Care Center Rules; or Chapter 896, Licensing of Before and After School Child Care Facilities (whichever is applicable for the license that is applied for).
- Applicants must complete the following:
- A signed department application form (DHS 951 Application for License to Operate a Group Child Care Center or Group Child Care Home);
- Supplemental application forms (DHS 953 Statement of Legal Authority, DHS 954 Child Care Center Staff & Volunteer Listing, DHS 957 Staff Sequence Form, and DHS 969 Child Care Licensing Self-Certification Form);
- A written statement of operation policies (DHS 952 Statement of Operation Policies);
- Verification that the facility meets the applicable county codes (obtain a Conditional Use Permit or Certificate of Occupancy);
- Completed employment history clearance forms (DHS 959 Employment History Form and DHS 959A Self-Certification of Employment);
- Child abuse/neglect history check and criminal history check (DHS-948 Authorization for Background Check and to Release Information (fillable)
- Upon receipt of the completed application documents indicated above and satisfactory results from the criminal history and child abuse/neglect clearances, a Child Care Licensing Worker will be assigned to conduct a licensing visit to inspect the entire facility as well as to review the licensing rules with the applicant.
- Any deficiencies cited during the application and licensing process must be corrected prior to issuance of a license.
- Once it is determined that the applicant is in full compliance with the licensing rules, the Child Care Licensing Unit will issue a license to operate a child care center.
- Once licensed, any significant changes that occur in the child care center must be reported to the Child Care Licensing Worker (DHS 974A Notification of Change(s) Form).
- Please feel free to contact a Child Care Licensing Unit in your area if you have any questions regarding the application and licensing process (Statewide Child Care Licensing Units).