Child Care Provider Referrals
People Attentive to Children (PATCH)
Hawai‘i’s statewide child care resource & referral agency. Get help with: child care options, finding/choosing care, preparing your child, and resources on paying for child care.
Phone: (808) 839-1988 • Email: patch@patch-hi.org • Website: patchhawaii.org
To request referrals, be ready with:
- Your name + mailing address
- Child’s name + birthday
- Desired area of child care
Find Child Care (PATCH) | Child Care Options | Paying for Child Care
PATCH Quick Links
PATCH (People Attentive to Children) is a key Hawaiʻi resource for child care referrals and support. Use the links below to explore services, search options, and additional tools.
| Resource | What it’s for | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Types of Child Care | Overview of common child care settings and what to expect. | Open |
| Searching for Child Care | How to search, questions to ask, and how to connect with your local PATCH office. | Open |
| Online Child Care Referrals (Database) | Search the referral database directly (licensed/approved providers). | Search Database |
| How to Search (Guide) | Step-by-step PDF on using the database filters and results. | View PDF |
Safety Checklists for Choosing Child Care
Choosing care is a big decision. These safety checklists can help you compare providers and feel confident about the environment your child will be in.
| Checklist/Tool | Use it to… | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Child Care Aware® Center Checklist | Bring questions to tours (safety, supervision, ratios, policies, health practices). | Open |
| PATCH “Choosing Quality Child Care” (PDF) | Printable overview + worksheets/checklists. | View PDF |
| Learning to Grow Hawai‘i (Choosing Child Care) | Additional guidance and tools for selecting quality care. | Open |
| State of Hawai‘i – Finding a Provider | State resource hub, including provider search + guidance. | Open |
Child Care Providers (Head Start / Early Head Start)
Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide early learning, family supports, and child development services. These programs may be a great option if you qualify.
| Program | Services | Contact | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| PACT | Early Head Start (ages 0–2) and Head Start (ages 3–5; Kalihi area), plus family supports. | Phone: (808) 842-5996 or (808) 676-2790 Website: pacthawaii.org | PACT Head Start |
| HCAP | Head Start (ages 3–5) and Early Head Start (including prenatal/0–2 options). Multiple sites islandwide. | Phone: (808) 847-2400 Website: hcapweb.org/headstart | Apply (HCAP) |
Child Care Centers and Preschools Around UH Mānoa
There are several child care centers and preschool options within a short distance of campus. Availability can change quickly—apply early whenever possible.
Child Care at Community Colleges
If you attend a UH Community College or take classes on another campus, you may have access to child care options there. Contact that campus directly to confirm eligibility, hours, and enrollment requirements.
- Check whether care is available to students and community members
- Ask about waitlists and tuition rates
- Confirm drop-off/pick-up procedures and student ID requirements
| Name | Website | Contact | Ages | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kapi‘olani CC: Alani Children’s Center | 4303 Diamond Head Road, Ilima 103, Honolulu, HI 96816 | 2.6–5 yrs | M–TH 8:15am–3:45pm FRI 8:15am–2:30pm |
| Honolulu CC: Keiki Hau‘oli Children’s Center | (808) 845-9466 | 3 mo–5 yrs | M–TH 7:45am–3:15pm FRI 7:45am–2:00pm |
| Leeward CC: Child Care Center | (808) 455-0488(late Aug–mid May) (808) 845-9466(mid May–late Aug) | 3–5 yrs | M–F 7:45am–3:15pm (fall/spring) Summer half-day may be offered (8:30am–12:30pm) if there is demand. |
| Hawai‘i CC Children’s Center (Hilo) | (808) 974-7611 (call for details) | Toddlers (18 mo–3) Preschool (3–6) | Toddlers 8:00am–4:00pm Preschool 7:30am–4:30pm |
| UHMC – MEO Head Start Preschool (Maui CC) | Preschool: (808) 242-1057 MEO Office: (808) 249-2988 | 3–5 yrs | M–F 7:50am–3:20pm |
| Windward CC – Hānaiaulu Child Care Center | 808-462-4799 | — | — |
Other Child Care
- Kama‘āina Kids (multiple locations): kamaainakids.com
- A+ Program (after-school care): After School Plus (A+)
- Waikīkī Community Preschool (starting Aug 2025): tuition-free public charter preschool.
Website: waikikicommunitypreschool.org • Email: info@waikikicommunitypreschool.org
Financial Assistance for Child Care
Child care costs can be overwhelming—especially while attending school. Financial supports may include subsidies, scholarships, and program-based assistance.
| Program | What it covers | Apply / Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| DHS Child Care Subsidy | Helps eligible low-income families pay for child care while parents work, attend school, or participate in job training (activity requirements may apply). | Program Info (DHS) Online Application Portal Brochure (08-2024) |
| Preschool Open Doors (POD) | Preschool tuition subsidies for eligible families (up to two school years prior to kindergarten). Application periods and age eligibility can vary by year. | POD Info (PATCH) Apply via State Portal |
| Native Hawaiian Child Care Assistance (Alu Like, Inc.) | Child care assistance for eligible Native Hawaiian families (funding is limited; income-based). | Program Page (Alu Like) Phone: (808) 535-1300 |
| Pauahi Keiki Scholars Program (PKS) | Preschool scholarship support for eligible children of Native Hawaiian ancestry (program requirements and deadlines can change year to year). | Preschool Scholarships (Pauahi Foundation) Phone: (808) 534-8080 |
| SP@M Support | SP@M can help provide an estimate of your DHS co-pay based on tuition, family income, and type of care. Families typically pay any difference above the program’s maximum reimbursement rate. | Please visit DHS/PATCH sites above for the most up-to-date eligibility and application steps. |
Pointers (Best Practices)
These quick tips can help you make child care planning easier and reduce stress during the semester.
- Apply early: If you want fall enrollment, start calling in early spring (or earlier) due to waitlists.
- Part day / part week: Ask providers about flexible schedules that may fit your budget and class/work schedule.
- Bring your child to the interview: Observe comfort level and interactions during tours.
Other Resources: Lactation Spaces on Campus (UH Mānoa)
| Location | How to access | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Gartley Hall Lactorium (GH 202) | Reserve a space by phone or email. | Phone: (808) 956-7182 Email: sswadmit@hawaii.edu |
| Hamilton Library Lactation Space (HL 203) | Reserve online in 30-minute increments (up to 60 minutes). | Reserve Online Room Info / Details |
| SP@M Lactation Space (QLCSS #205) | Coordinate access by phone or email. | Phone: (808) 956-9313 Email: gotkids@hawaii.edu |
| Printable Lactation Map (PDF) | Campus map showing lactation locations. | View PDF |