DHS Child Care Licensing (HAR Title 17, Chapter 892) Compliant

Hawaii ChildcareLicensing Requirements

Stay compliant with Hawaii DHS Child Care Licensing (HAR Title 17, Chapter 892) regulations. Bloomily helps Hawaii childcare centers manage staff ratios, certifications, and emergency drills — all in one platform.

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Staff-to-Child Ratios

Required ratios for Hawaii licensed childcare facilities

Age Group	Staff : Children	Max Group Size	Regulation
Infants (0-12 months) HAR 17-895.1-36: Infant & Toddler license covers 6 weeks to 36 months. Age 6 wks–12 months: regulation permits 1:3/group 6 OR 1:4/group 8. Using maximum permitted ratio (1:4, group 8) as the compliance ceiling.	1:4	8 children	Haw. Code R. § 17-892.2-18 (Group Child Care Centers, age 24+ months, eff. 6-6-2024); Haw. Code R. § 17-895.1-36 (Infant and Toddler Child Care Centers, age 6 wks–36 months, eff. 11-3-2023)
Young Toddlers (12-24 months) HAR 17-895.1-36: 12–24 months band allows 1:3/6, 1:4/8, or 1:5/10. Using maximum permitted ratio (1:5, group 10) as compliance ceiling.	1:5	10 children	Haw. Code R. § 17-892.2-18 (Group Child Care Centers, age 24+ months, eff. 6-6-2024); Haw. Code R. § 17-895.1-36 (Infant and Toddler Child Care Centers, age 6 wks–36 months, eff. 11-3-2023)
two_year HAR 17-892.2-36 Chart I: Group Child Care Center covers 24+ months. 2-year-olds: 1 staff per 8 children, max group size 16 (group cap is 2× the ratio). I&T center type also permits up to 1:6/12 at 18-36 months; Group CC ratio of 1:8 governs Group CC licensed facilities.	1:8	16 children	Haw. Code R. § 17-892.2-36 Chart I (Group Child Care Centers, ratio and group size, eff. 6-6-2024); Haw. Code R. § 17-895.1-36 (Infant and Toddler Child Care Centers, age 6 wks–36 months)
preschool_3 HAR 17-892.2-36 Chart I: 3-year-olds: 1 staff per 12 children, max group size 24 (group cap is 2× the ratio).	1:12	24 children	Haw. Code R. § 17-892.2-36 Chart I (Group Child Care Centers, ratio and group size, eff. 6-6-2024)
preschool_4 HAR 17-892.2-36 Chart I: 4-year-olds: 1 staff per 16 children, max group size 32 (group cap is 2× the ratio).	1:16	32 children	Haw. Code R. § 17-892.2-36 Chart I (Group Child Care Centers, ratio and group size, eff. 6-6-2024)
School Age (5+ years) HAR 17-892.2-36 Chart I: 5 years and older: 1 staff per 20 children, max group size 40 (group cap is 2× the ratio). Upper age bound 156 months (13 years) per convention; regulation does not state explicit upper licensed age.	1:20	40 children	Haw. Code R. § 17-892.2-36 Chart I (Group Child Care Centers, ratio and group size, eff. 6-6-2024)

Bloomily automatically monitors staff-to-child ratios in real-time and alerts you when you're approaching limits.

Required Certifications

Certifications required for Hawaii childcare staff

Annual Training (Hawaii)

Hawaii requires minimum 20 clock hours annual professional development including health and safety topics

Renew annuallyDocument required

Child Abuse Registry Check (Hawaii)

Hawaii Child Protective Services central registry check required

Renew every 5 yearsDocument required

Criminal Background Check (Hawaii)

Hawaii Criminal Justice Data Center background check and FBI fingerprint check required

Renew every 5 yearsDocument required

Director Qualifications (Hawaii)

Director qualifications per HAR §17-892-21 including education, experience, and administrator credential

Document required

First Aid (Hawaii)

Pediatric first aid certification required

Renew every 2 yearsDocument required

Food Handler Certification (Hawaii)

Hawaii Department of Health food handler certification for staff preparing food

Renew every 3 yearsDocument required

Group Leader Qualifications (Hawaii)

Group leader qualifications per HAR §17-892-22

Document required

Health Clearance (Hawaii)

Physical health examination and clearance required

Renew every 2 yearsDocument required

Mandated Reporter Training

California mandated reporter training for child abuse

Document required

Mandatory Reporter Training (Hawaii)

Hawaii mandatory reporter training on recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect

Renew every 2 yearsDocument required

Orientation Training (Hawaii)

Initial orientation training within first 90 days of employment covering policies, procedures, and emergency plans

Document required

Pediatric CPR (Hawaii)

Infant and child CPR certification required for all caregivers

Renew every 2 yearsDocument required

Safe Sleep Training (Hawaii)

Safe sleep training required for infant caregivers

Renew every 5 yearsDocument required

TB Clearance (Hawaii)

Tuberculosis clearance required for all staff before working with children

Renew every 2 yearsDocument required

Bloomily tracks certification expiration dates and sends automated renewal reminders before they lapse.

Emergency Drill Requirements

Required safety drills for Hawaii childcare facilities

Required Drills

Fire Drill

Monthly

Monthly fire drills are required. HAR 17-892.2 (fire protection section) and prior HAR §17-892-46 both mandate monthly fire drills. HAR 17-895.1-71 requires 'practice drills for various emergency situations at regular intervals'; monthly fire drills are the established standard across all HI child care center types.

Ref: Haw. Code R. § 17-895.1-71 (Disaster plan for emergencies, Infant & Toddler centers); HAR 17-892.2 (Group Child Care Centers, analogous disaster plan/fire protection provisions, eff. 6-6-2024); production data cites HAR §17-892-46 (prior chapter numbering)

Earthquake

Twice per year

HAR 17-895.1-71 and equivalent Group CC disaster plan provisions require emergency drills 'at regular intervals'. Semi-annual frequency reflects production data and Hawaii's significant seismic risk. Specific frequency not stated in accessible regulation text.

Lockdown/Security

Twice per year

HAR 17-895.1-71 requires practice drills for 'lockdown' scenarios at regular intervals. Semi-annual frequency from production data.

Evacuation

Annually

HAR 17-895.1-71 lists evacuation and relocation drills as required. Annual frequency from production data.

Hurricane

Annually

HAR 17-895.1-71 requires disaster plan to address natural disasters including hurricanes; practice drills required at regular intervals. Annual frequency from production data. Hawaii is in the Eastern Pacific hurricane belt.

Tsunami

Twice per year

HAR 17-895.1-71 requires disaster plan covering coastal/tsunami hazards and practice drills at regular intervals. Semi-annual frequency reflects production data and Hawaii's high tsunami risk. Specific frequency not stated in accessible regulation text.

Bloomily automatically schedules drills and tracks completion to ensure you never miss a requirement.

Hawaii Pre-Inspection Checklist

Based on DHS Child Care Licensing (HAR Title 17, Chapter 892) requirements • 50 items • Generated from bloomily.app

Center Name: _________________________________ Date: _____________

Licensing

Current DHS license posted and visible

Ref: HAR §17-892-8

License capacity and age groups displayed

Ref: HAR §17-892-8

Liability insurance current and on file

Ref: HAR §17-892-15

Parent handbook available with policies

Ref: HAR §17-892-40

Attendance records maintained daily

Ref: HAR §17-892-41

Incident/accident reports documented

Ref: HAR §17-892-48

Complaint procedures posted

Ref: HAR §17-892-40

Emergency procedures posted in each room

Ref: HAR §17-892-46

Operating hours posted

Ref: HAR §17-892-8

Fee schedule available to parents

Ref: HAR §17-892-40

Staff

All staff have current background checks (Hawaii and FBI)

Ref: HAR §17-892-12

Child Protective Services registry checks completed

Ref: HAR §17-892-12

Director meets qualification requirements

Ref: HAR §17-892-21

Group leaders meet qualification requirements

Ref: HAR §17-892-22

All staff have current pediatric CPR certification

Ref: HAR §17-892-23

All staff have current first aid certification

Ref: HAR §17-892-23

Annual training hours documented (20 hours minimum)

Ref: HAR §17-892-24

Mandatory reporter training current

Ref: HAR §17-892-23

Safe sleep training for infant caregivers

Ref: HAR §17-892-23

TB clearance on file for all staff

Ref: HAR §17-892-13

Health clearance on file for all staff

Ref: HAR §17-892-13

Staff orientation completed within 90 days

Ref: HAR §17-892-24

Records

Enrollment forms complete for each child

Ref: HAR §17-892-41

Emergency contact information current

Ref: HAR §17-892-41

Immunization records current (or valid exemption)

Ref: HAR §11-157

Health information on file for each child

Ref: HAR §17-892-41

Allergy and special needs documented

Ref: HAR §17-892-41

Authorized pickup persons documented

Ref: HAR §17-892-41

Medication authorization forms complete

Ref: HAR §17-892-43

Field trip/transportation permission on file

Ref: HAR §17-892-44

Health

First aid kits stocked and accessible

Ref: HAR §17-892-35

Medications stored properly (locked)

Ref: HAR §17-892-43

Cleaning and sanitizing procedures followed

Ref: HAR §17-892-36

Handwashing procedures posted

Ref: HAR §17-892-36

Diapering and toileting procedures followed

Ref: HAR §17-892-36

Safe sleep practices followed for infants

Ref: HAR §17-892-37

Food handling and safety requirements met

Ref: HAR §17-892-38

Food handler certification current (food prep staff)

Ref: HAR §17-892-38

Hazardous materials stored safely

Ref: HAR §17-892-35

Tobacco, alcohol, and weapons prohibited

Ref: HAR §17-892-35

Emergency

Fire drill records current (monthly)

Ref: HAR §17-892-46

Tsunami drill records current (semi-annual)

Ref: HAR §17-892-46

Earthquake drill records current (semi-annual)

Ref: HAR §17-892-46

Hurricane preparedness drill completed (annual)

Ref: HAR §17-892-46

Emergency evacuation plan posted and current

Ref: HAR §17-892-46

Fire extinguishers inspected and accessible

Ref: HAR §17-892-46

Operations

Indoor space meets 35 sq ft per child requirement

Ref: HAR §17-892-31

Outdoor play area safe and enclosed

Ref: HAR §17-892-32

Staff-to-child ratios maintained at all times

Ref: HAR §17-892-30

PATCH quality rating posted (if participating)

Ref: PATCH Hawaii

This checklist is provided for reference only. Always verify requirements with your state licensing agency.

Pre-Inspection Checklist

50 items based on Hawaii DHS Child Care Licensing (HAR Title 17, Chapter 892) requirements

Licensing(10)Staff(12)Records(8)Health(10)Emergency(6)Operations(4)

Current DHS license posted and visible

Ref: HAR §17-892-8

Licensing

License capacity and age groups displayed

Ref: HAR §17-892-8

Licensing

Liability insurance current and on file

Ref: HAR §17-892-15

Licensing

Parent handbook available with policies

Ref: HAR §17-892-40

Licensing

Attendance records maintained daily

Ref: HAR §17-892-41

Licensing

Incident/accident reports documented

Ref: HAR §17-892-48

Licensing

Complaint procedures posted

Ref: HAR §17-892-40

Licensing

Emergency procedures posted in each room

Ref: HAR §17-892-46

Licensing

Operating hours posted

Ref: HAR §17-892-8

Licensing

Fee schedule available to parents

Ref: HAR §17-892-40

Licensing

All staff have current background checks (Hawaii and FBI)

Ref: HAR §17-892-12

Staff

Child Protective Services registry checks completed

Ref: HAR §17-892-12

Staff

Director meets qualification requirements

Ref: HAR §17-892-21

Staff

Group leaders meet qualification requirements

Ref: HAR §17-892-22

Staff

All staff have current pediatric CPR certification

Ref: HAR §17-892-23

Staff

All staff have current first aid certification

Ref: HAR §17-892-23

Staff

Annual training hours documented (20 hours minimum)

Ref: HAR §17-892-24

Staff

Mandatory reporter training current

Ref: HAR §17-892-23

Staff

Safe sleep training for infant caregivers

Ref: HAR §17-892-23

Staff

TB clearance on file for all staff

Ref: HAR §17-892-13

Staff

Health clearance on file for all staff

Ref: HAR §17-892-13

Staff

Staff orientation completed within 90 days

Ref: HAR §17-892-24

Staff

Enrollment forms complete for each child

Ref: HAR §17-892-41

Records

Emergency contact information current

Ref: HAR §17-892-41

Records

Immunization records current (or valid exemption)

Ref: HAR §11-157

Records

Health information on file for each child

Ref: HAR §17-892-41

Records

Allergy and special needs documented

Ref: HAR §17-892-41

Records

Authorized pickup persons documented

Ref: HAR §17-892-41

Records

Medication authorization forms complete

Ref: HAR §17-892-43

Records

Field trip/transportation permission on file

Ref: HAR §17-892-44

Records

First aid kits stocked and accessible

Ref: HAR §17-892-35

Health

Medications stored properly (locked)

Ref: HAR §17-892-43

Health

Cleaning and sanitizing procedures followed

Ref: HAR §17-892-36

Health

Handwashing procedures posted

Ref: HAR §17-892-36

Health

Diapering and toileting procedures followed

Ref: HAR §17-892-36

Health

Safe sleep practices followed for infants

Ref: HAR §17-892-37

Health

Food handling and safety requirements met

Ref: HAR §17-892-38

Health

Food handler certification current (food prep staff)

Ref: HAR §17-892-38

Health

Hazardous materials stored safely

Ref: HAR §17-892-35

Health

Tobacco, alcohol, and weapons prohibited

Ref: HAR §17-892-35

Health

Fire drill records current (monthly)

Ref: HAR §17-892-46

Emergency

Tsunami drill records current (semi-annual)

Ref: HAR §17-892-46

Emergency

Earthquake drill records current (semi-annual)

Ref: HAR §17-892-46

Emergency

Hurricane preparedness drill completed (annual)

Ref: HAR §17-892-46

Emergency

Emergency evacuation plan posted and current

Ref: HAR §17-892-46

Emergency

Fire extinguishers inspected and accessible

Ref: HAR §17-892-46

Emergency

Indoor space meets 35 sq ft per child requirement

Ref: HAR §17-892-31

Operations

Outdoor play area safe and enclosed

Ref: HAR §17-892-32

Operations

Staff-to-child ratios maintained at all times

Ref: HAR §17-892-30

Operations

PATCH quality rating posted (if participating)

Ref: PATCH Hawaii

Operations

Track your Hawaii compliance digitally

Bloomily keeps your checklist updated, tracks staff certifications, and alerts you before items expire.

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Hawaii compliance and operations resources

Health and safety featuresTrack incidents, medication, immunizations, and safety workflows.Ratio calculatorCalculate staff-to-child ratios for your classrooms.Attendance softwareMonitor rosters, ratios, check-in, and pickup in real time.Daycare management softwareRun compliance, attendance, billing, and parent communication together.Daily reports guideImprove parent communication with consistent daily reports.Meal tracking guidePlan meal records, parent updates, and billing connections.

Nearby State Requirements

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Requirements vary by state. Click to view specific licensing requirements.

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