fbpx UA-117135809-1

In the information provided on this page is a basic outline of Hawaii Child Care requirements that pertain to the design and construction of Child Care Facilities in the State of Hawaii. This information is a brief synopsis and does not include all of the detailed requirements needed to satisfy the governing authorities for Child Care Licensing, Building Code, Fire Code, Accessibility, or local Zoning. These guidelines are for general information and planning purposes. Contact the governing authority directly or engage a Licensed Architect to complete a full analysis of your school location. 

HAWAII Child Care Licensing Requirements

Child Care license obtained from:

Hawaii Department of Human Services Benefits, Employment, and Support Services 

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 339, Honolulu, HI 96809-0339

Street Address: 1390 Miller Street, Room 209, Honolulu, HI, 96813 

http://humanservices.hawaii.gov/ 

(808) 586-4890

License renewal:

licenses are valid for one year for new applicants and those licensed for less than four years,

licenses are valid for two years for all others.

Indoor Space Requirements: 35 sf per child

  

6 Wks –12 Mos. 

12-24 Mos.

18- 36 Mos. 

Years

Years

4-5 Years

6+ Years

Required

Teacher: Child Ratio

1:3

1:3

1:5

1:8

1:12

1:16

1:20

Required

Max. Group Size

6

6

10

None

None

None

None

Recommended 

Classroom Capacity

8

12

12

16

24

32

40

Recommended 

Staff per Classroom

2

2

2

2

2

2

2

Recommended 

Min. Classroom Area

280 sf.

420 sf.

420 sf.

560sf.

840 sf.

1120 sf.

1400 sf

Outdoor Space Requirements: 75 sf per child

  • Outdoor space required per infants and toddlers is seventy-five square feet.
  • Grass, soft media, or any protective surfaces will be placed under the outdoor play equipment.
  • Indoor and Outdoor play equipment will allow children to use their muscles for creative activities and imaginative play.

Building Code Requirements

child care toilet child care adult toilet child care drinking fountain child care mop sink child care bathtub

CHILD

FIXTURES

ADULT

FIXTURES

DRINKING FOUNTAINS

MOP

SINK

BATH TUB/

SHOWER

1: 15

1:50

1:100

1

1

2006 International Building Code

Fire Code Requirements

50

Every room used to sleep in, shall provide 50sf per child.

6

Infants and toddler centers may provide care for children 6 weeks and older. 

1

An expiration date of a regular license shall be one year or two years from the issuance date of the last provisional licenses.

2012 NFPA 1 Fire Code

Did you know . . .

child care tornado The children will be given an individual bed (cot, mat, or rug) with a clean sheet or cover. child care hand wash Faculties shall confirm zoning, building, electrical and plumbing codes of the country in which they are located. child care music Children who have a birthday between September 1st and December 31st maybe be considered to be a part of the older group (determining staff ratios).

To access Hawaii Child Care requirements along with other states please see our interactive Child Care Requirements US map here.

Research completed by Calbert Design Group, LLC.  Updated 2019