Child Care

Bridge to Hope Resources

Child care can be one of the biggest barriers to staying enrolled and succeeding in college.

Use this page to find statewide subsidy programs, child care search tools, and University of Hawaiʻi campus resources.

View Quick Links

Because deadlines, income limits, tuition rates, and available spaces can change, use the official links below for the most current program details and application steps.

Statewide Child Care Subsidy Programs

These statewide programs may help eligible families find or pay for care.

Child Care Subsidy Program through DHS

Hawaiʻi’s Child Care Subsidy Program helps eligible families pay for legal child care settings, including center-based care, preschool, before- and after-school care, and some home-based care.

In general, eligibility depends on your child’s age, household income, and whether parent or caretaker adults are working, attending school, or in job training.

  • Children may qualify if they are under age 13, or older if they cannot do self-care.
  • In two-parent families, both parents or caretakers usually must be in an eligible activity.
  • Income limits and co-pays can change, so check the live DHS page for current rules.

Customer line: 1-855-643-1643 and say “Child Care” or select option 7.


Preschool Open Doors

Preschool Open Doors helps eligible families pay preschool tuition for children up to two years before kindergarten. Families may choose any DHS-licensed preschool.

Unlike the general Child Care Subsidy program, parents are not required to have a work or school activity, but income and other eligibility requirements still apply.

POD application windows are set each year, so check the current page for deadlines, income limits, and required documents.

ʻ: (808) 791-2130
Neighbor islands: 1-800-746-5620
Email: PODadmin@patch-hi.org

PATCH Hawaiʻi: Finding and Choosing Child Care

PATCH, or People Attentive to Children, is Hawaiʻi’s statewide child care resource and referral organization. Families can use PATCH to search licensed and registered programs, compare options, and learn what to ask when choosing care.

  • Search licensed and registered child care statewide.
  • Get referrals and family support.
  • Learn how to compare providers and prepare for visits.

Oʻahu main office: (808) 839-1988
Email: patch@patch-hi.org


University of Hawaiʻi Child Care Options

UH’s Office of Human Resources lists child care centers or child care resources at several 鶹ýcampuses, and notes that 75% of child care spaces are allocated to students. Space can be limited, so apply early.

University of Hawaiʻi child care centers and resources
Campus Resource Contact Details / Link
鶹ýMānoa 鶹ýMānoa Children’s Center (808) 956-7963
uhmcc@hawaii.edu 		Ages and openings vary by classroom. See admissions, fee assistance, and application information.
| |
Honolulu CC Keiki Hauʻoli Children’s Center (808) 845-9466 Campus child care center information.
Kapiʻolani CC Alani Children’s Center (808) 734-9394 Priority is given to Kapiʻolani CC students and employees. Current page includes application, deadlines, tuition, and assistance information.
Leeward CC Children’s Center (808) 455-0488 Campus child care center information.
Hawaiʻi CC Hawaiʻi CC Children’s Center (808) 934-2630 Accredited campus children’s center and training site for early childhood education students.
Kauaʻi CC Child Care Assistance / Children’s Center Contact Hale Mālama: (808) 245-0106
Center contact: (808) 245-8356 		Kauaʻi CC may be able to provide one-time or monthly assistance for part-time and full-time students with child care needs.
鶹ýMaui College 鶹ýMaui College–MEO Head Start Preschool (808) 249-2988 Preschool for ages 3–5 on campus. First priority for eligible families is given to children of 鶹ýMaui College students.
Windward CC Ke Kula Kamaliʻi ʻo Hānaiaulu Center: (808) 462-4798
Director: (808) 462-4799
kirstenr@hawaii.edu 		Hawaiian-immersion child care center. Priority is given to full-time Windward CC students, with additional priority for Pell-eligible students.

Community-Based Early Learning Options

Oʻahu Early Head Start and Head Start

If you need community-based early childhood programs on Oʻahu, HCAP and PACT both operate Early Head Start and Head Start programs.

School-age care: Hawaiʻi DOE A+ Program

For children in public elementary school, the HIDOE A+ Program may be an option for after-school supervision and care. Registration timing and fees can change each year, so check the official DOE page.


Native Hawaiian and other tuition-assistance options

Some campus pages also point families to additional help such as Pauahi Foundation early education scholarships and other local assistance programs.

Application Tips

  1. Apply early. Campus centers and subsidy programs may have limited seats or fixed application windows.
  2. Use official websites. Income limits, co-pays, and deadlines can change from year to year.
  3. Gather documents ahead of time. You may need birth certificates, proof of income, class schedule, and other eligibility documents.
  4. Tour providers when possible. PATCH can help you compare licensed and registered options.
  5. Ask about part-day or part-week options. These may work better for your class schedule and reduce costs.

Need Help Getting Started?

Contact the subsidy application line, PATCH Hawaiʻi, your campus child care center, or your campus student support office for current availability and application details.

Disclaimer

This page is intended to provide general information for 鶹ýstudent parents. Child care eligibility, rates, spaces, and deadlines change regularly. Always confirm details with the official program or campus office before applying or making enrollment decisions.

Follow Bridge to Hope

Stay connected with Bridge to Hope updates, student stories, and program information.

Bridge to Hope logo
鶹ýBridge to Hope Statewide Coordinator
Derek Galanto
2600 Campus Road | Honolulu, HI 96822 | QLCSS 211
(808) 956-9313 | bth@hawaii.edu
Last Modified: July 2026