Finding quality and affordable child care is a significant concern for many families in Hawaii. Recognizing this need, several programs are available to support families in accessing child care and early education services. This guide provides an overview of various child care assistance programs in Hawaii, including the Alu Like Native Hawaiian Child Care Assistance Program, to help you understand your options and find the right support for your family.
Programs for Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
Hawaii offers a range of programs catering to different age groups and needs, ensuring children receive nurturing care and early learning experiences from infancy through preschool.
Early Head Start and Head Start
For families with younger children, Early Head Start (0-3 years) and Head Start (3-5 years) are national programs providing comprehensive developmental services. These programs focus on low-income preschool children, offering education, socio-emotional development, health services (physical and mental), and nutritional support. Head Start aims to prepare children for school and supports family well-being.
- Contact: 696-4815
- Learn More: http://www.hawaii.gov/dhs/self-sufficiency/childcare/headstart/enroll
Hawaii Kids At Work
Hawaii Kids At Work is a non-profit daycare program specifically designed for younger children, from 6 weeks to 3 years old. This program offers care during typical working hours, providing a safe and stimulating environment for infants and toddlers.
- Contact: 531-7213
- Learn More: http://www.hawaiikidsatwork.org/
Preschool Open Doors (POD)
The Preschool Open Doors (POD) program, supported by the Department of Human Services, focuses on making preschool accessible by helping families afford tuition. POD prioritizes children with special needs, those learning English as a second language, and children experiencing homelessness, ensuring these vulnerable groups have access to early education.
- O’ahu Contact: (808) 587-5254
- Neighbor Islands (Toll-Free): 1-800-746-5620
- Learn More: http://www.patchhawaii.org/families/payingForCare.asp
Support for Families Facing Specific Challenges
Several programs are tailored to assist families facing unique circumstances, providing crucial respite and financial aid to ensure children’s well-being.
Respite Care through PACT
Respite Care, offered by Parents And Children Together (PACT), provides temporary relief for parents experiencing stress who cannot afford regular child care. This service offers a much-needed break for caregivers, supporting family stability during challenging times.
- Contact: (808) 841-1027
- Learn More: http://www.pacthawaii.org/respite_care.html
Child Care Connections
Child Care Connections is designed to help low-income families manage child care costs for children from newborn to 13 years old. This program provides financial assistance, making child care services more accessible for working families with limited incomes.
- Contact: (808) 587-5266
- Learn More: http://www.hawaii.gov/dhs/dhs/self-sufficiency/childcare
Parents And Children Together (PACT) – Comprehensive Family Services
Parents And Children Together (PACT) is a leading non-profit family service agency in Hawaii. Beyond respite care, PACT offers a wide array of innovative social and educational services. They are actively involved in community partnerships and advocate for socio-economically challenged citizens in Hawaii, offering holistic support to families.
- Contact: (808) 842-5996
- Learn More: http://www.pacthawaii.org
Alu Like Native Hawaiian Child Care Assistance Program
The Alu Like Native Hawaiian Child Care Assistance Program is specifically dedicated to supporting Hawaiian families. Alu Like provides child care subsidies for children from birth to 13 years of age. This program recognizes the unique cultural needs of Native Hawaiian families and aims to ensure access to quality child care while preserving cultural values. This program stands out as a culturally sensitive resource within the broader child care assistance landscape in Hawaii.
- Contact: 535-1300
- Learn More: http://www.alulike.org/services/ho_nhcc.html
P.A.T.C.H. – Resources and Referrals
P.A.T.C.H. (People Attentive To Children) serves as a central resource hub, offering parents referrals to family child care homes and child care centers. They also provide guidance on choosing quality child care, information on subsidy programs, and connections to resources for raising healthy children. P.A.T.C.H. is an invaluable starting point for any family navigating the child care system in Hawaii.
- Contact: (808) 839-1988
- Learn More: http://www.patchhawaii.org
Conclusion
Hawaii offers a diverse network of child care assistance programs designed to meet the varied needs of families across the islands. From early childhood education programs like Head Start and Preschool Open Doors, to specialized support like Respite Care and the Alu Like Native Hawaiian Child Care Assistance Program, families have access to vital resources. By exploring these programs and reaching out to the contacts provided, parents and guardians can take significant steps towards securing quality and affordable child care for their children, fostering healthy development and family well-being.
