Childcare Assistance in Hawaii

6 verified resources.

About Childcare Assistance for Fathers

Childcare assistance for US fathers includes the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) subsidy, Head Start and Early Head Start, state pre-K programs, and sliding-scale nonprofit childcare. CCDF subsidies are administered by each state's lead agency (usually the Department of Human Services or a dedicated office) and help families pay for childcare while parents work, attend school, or participate in training. Eligibility is typically up to 85% of state median income. Head Start serves children 3–5 from families below the Federal Poverty Level; Early Head Start covers birth to 3. State pre-K is free or low-cost in most states and offered through public schools and partner providers. Many community action agencies run sliding-scale childcare for working parents. For single dads, CCDF subsidies and Head Start are the two most consistent free options. This directory includes each state's CCDF office, local Head Start programs, and resource and referral agencies.

Childcare Assistance in Hawaii

Hawaii's Family Court is a division of the Circuit Court and operates in each of its four judicial circuits (Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, Kauai). The Child Support Enforcement Agency operates under the Attorney General. Honolulu is by far the largest population center. Legal Aid Society of Hawaii is the primary civil legal aid provider, with Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii offering supplemental pro bono support.

6 Resources

1. PATCH – People Attentive to Children — Free

Helps families find quality licensed child care statewide through a child care resource and referral agency based on Kapiolani Boulevard in Honolulu. PATCH offers search assistance, provider information, and subsidy program guidance. Fathers can call weekdays for referrals tailored to their island, schedule, and budget. Bring basic information about your children's ages, hours needed, and any special needs when calling.

808-839-1988 · 1600 Kapiolani Blvd #115, Honolulu, HI 96814 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Hawaii Head Start — Free

Free early childhood education for income-eligible families with children ages 3-5 through federally funded Head Start grantees statewide. Call the national locator for the nearest program serving your island. Fathers can enroll their eligible children with documentation. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, proof of income, and any IEP or medical paperwork to the enrollment appointment at your local Head Start site.

866-763-6481 · Mon-Fri varies · Visit Website

3. Maui Head Start — Free

Free preschool for income-eligible Maui County families with children ages 3-5, coordinated through Maui Family Support Services in Wailuku. Programs combine classroom learning with parent engagement and health supports. Fathers can call weekdays to enroll. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, proof of income, and any immunization or medical records to the enrollment appointment at the assigned Head Start center.

808-242-0900 · Wailuku, HI 96793 · Mon-Fri varies

4. Keiki O Ka Aina – Honolulu — Paid

Hawaiian culture-based early childhood programs on the Liliha Street campus in Honolulu, offering play-and-learn sessions, family-child classes, and preschool programs rooted in Native Hawaiian values. Early morning through late afternoon hours accommodate working fathers. Call weekdays to enroll. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, and immunization records. Program fees and scholarships vary; ask about sliding scale at intake.

808-847-1672 · 2130 Liliha St, Honolulu, HI 96817 · Mon-Fri 6:30am-5:30pm

5. Boys & Girls Club of Hawaii – After School — Free

After-school programs and summer care for youth across Oahu, with the headquarters on Ala Moana Boulevard in Honolulu. Activities include homework help, sports, arts, and leadership development. Fathers can call weekdays to enroll school-age children. Bring photo ID, child's birth certificate, emergency contact information, and immunization records to registration. Low or no-fee membership keeps programs accessible for working families.

808-949-4203 · 3522 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96815 · Mon-Fri after school · Visit Website

6. Hawaii DOE – School-Based After-School — Paid

After-school care programs at public elementary schools through the Department of Education's A+ program and partner sites. Offers supervised activities, homework help, and snacks until working fathers can pick up their children. Enrollment is handled through each school's A+ coordinator or partner agency. Bring photo ID, emergency contact information, and any medical or allergy paperwork to the school office when registering.

808-586-3310 · Mon-Fri after school · Visit Website

Childcare Assistance — Common Questions

What is a childcare subsidy?
A state-administered program (funded by federal CCDF) that pays a portion of childcare costs for working, training, or school-attending low-income parents. Apply through your state's lead agency. Eligibility typically up to 85% of state median income. Benefits go directly to the provider.
What's the difference between Head Start and pre-K?
Head Start is a federal program for children 3–5 from low-income families (below the Federal Poverty Level) with comprehensive services (health, nutrition, parent involvement). State pre-K is state-funded preschool, usually through public schools, with broader eligibility.
Can fathers apply for childcare assistance alone?
Yes. Childcare assistance is gender-neutral. Single fathers with custody qualify on the same terms as any other parent. If you share custody, you can still apply — you'll need the subsidy for the time the child is with you.
Where do I find quality care I can trust?
Every state has a Child Care Resource & Referral agency (CCR&R) that maintains a free database of licensed providers, quality ratings, and availability. Call your local CCR&R (find at childcareaware.org) for personalized referrals.