Track your keiki’s milestones from ages 2 months to 5 years
Want to learn effective tips to support your child’s development? Or find out what to do if you’re concerned about how your child is developing? The CDC has an easy-to-use illustrated checklists and new app to help! Click here.
Free developmental evaluations
If you’re concerned about your child’s development, for children younger than the age of 3, contact the Early Intervention Referral line at (808) 594-0066. For children older than 3, legal guardians can contact the child’s neighborhood school and request an evaluation.
Learn and grow with your keiki
Check out activities you can do with your child at home and learn about what to expect as your child continues to grow and develop! Click Here
Support your keiki’s transition to kindergarten
Entering kindergarten is exciting but we recognize it can also be overwhelming–for keiki and families alike. Check out this toolkit to learn about best practices and how family members can help support a keiki taking that next big step to kindergarten.
Community-based child care options
Do you have keiki under the age of 6 or are expecting a new bundle of joy and need child care? Call PATCH, Hawai’i’s Child Care Resource and Referral Agency at (808) 839-1988, or search through their database: Click Here.
Free public pre-kindergarten programs
The State offers public pre-kindergarten options, including the Executive Office on Early Learning Public Prekindergarten programs and Charter Prekindergarten programs. Click here for more information
Family Child Interaction Learning Programs
Family-Child Interaction Learning programs provide opportunities for family members and keiki to learn and grow together! These programs are interactive programs for keiki while equipping adults with information and tools to support children’s development. These programs are hosted at various locations on the island:
Tutu & Me: https://pidf.org/tutuandme/
KOKA: https://www.koka.org/parent-participation-programs/
Keiki Steps: https://inpeace.org/education/keiki-steps/
Early Head Start & Head Start Programs
Head Start programs support the mental, social, and emotional development of children from low-income families. For a list of Early Head Start (ages birth to three years) and Head Start (ages three to five years), contact:
PACT: https://pacthawaii.org/our-work/early-headstart-programs/early-childhood-education/
HCAP: https://www.hcapweb.org/headstart/head-start-programs/
Child Care Subsidy Program
You can now apply online! The Child Care Subsidy program helps eligible families with young keiki sustain employment, educational efforts, or job training by providing financial assistance for keiki enrolled in a DHS-approved child care program. Apply here: https://childcaresubsidyapplication.dhs.hawaii.gov/
Preschool Open Doors
If you have a 3 or 4 year old, you may be eligible for financial assistance through the Preschool Open Doors program. Apply here: https://childcaresubsidyapplication.dhs.hawaii.gov/
Pauahi Keiki Scholars
Pauahi Keiki Scholars is a need-based scholarship, open to eligible preschool-aged keiki planning to attend a participating PKS preschool in Hawai’i. Apply online: https://www.ksbe.edu/apply/financial-aid/preschool/pauahi-keiki-scholars
Email: jordana.ferreira@honolulu.gov