Hawaii Statewide Rule
Hawaii Family Child Care Home Licensing Rules
Key Facts
- Registration
- DHS required
- Capacity
- Up to 6 children
- Statute
- HRS Chapter 346
- Background check
- All adults required
Summary
Hawaii requires state Department of Human Services registration or licensing for home-based child care serving non-relatives. Standards for staff ratios, safety, and inspections apply uniformly across all counties statewide.
§346-171 Registration for family child care home required. No person shall operate or maintain a family child care home unless registered to do so by the department of human services under this subpart. The registration shall be valid for: (1) One year for new applicants and for those who have been registered for less than four years; and (2) Two years for those who have been registered for four years or more, unless sooner revoked. [L 1985, c 208, pt of §2; am L 1987, c 339, §4; am L 1998, c 5, §4]
Full Breakdown
Under HRS Chapter 346, family child care homes serving non-relative children must register or be licensed by the Department of Human Services. Registered family child care homes care for up to six children, while group homes have higher capacity with stricter rules. Operators must complete background checks, training, and home safety inspections. Counties may apply zoning rules but cannot supersede state licensing. Annual renewal and ongoing inspections are required. Operating without registration is prohibited and triggers civil and criminal penalties under state law.
Violations & Penalties
Operating an unregistered family child care home is a misdemeanor with fines up to $500 per day and potential closure orders from DHS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to babysit children at home in Hawaii?
How many children can a Hawaii family child care home serve?
Sources
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