Moving to the Big Island of Hawaii can be an exciting and life-changing experience. But for parents, it’s important to know your childcare options before making the big move. This blog post will give you an overview of the available childcare programs, services and resources available on the Big Island.
One thing to keep in mind is that childcare is expensive. If you have little they can’t go to kindergarten or elementary during the day, you have to have childcare in mind. We have some of the highest childcare costs in the US, which is why a lot of our local families opt for moving in with family.
Childcare Centers
The Big Island is home to many licensed childcare centers that offer full-day and part-time care for children ages 0-5 years. These centers provide a safe environment with trained professionals who are there to nurture and guide your child’s development. Childcare centers also offer educational activities such as art, music, language and physical development classes.
In addition to traditional childcare centers, there are also specialized childcare centers that focus on specific areas of early childhood education such as Montessori or Waldorf schools. Private preschools are also available for those looking for more personalized attention and services from experienced teachers.
Family Day Care Homes
Family day care homes are another option for parents looking for quality childcare on the Big Island. These homes provide in-home day care services within a family setting, typically with no more than 6 children per provider at one time. Family day care homes provide parents with a more intimate setting where their child can receive individualized attention from experienced caregivers. They usually offer flexible hours and can be less expensive than traditional day care facilities or private preschools.
Community Resources
The state of Hawaii offers several community resources that can help families access quality affordable childcare on the Big Island including subsidized programs, grants, financial assistance and other support services. The Department of Human Services provides information about these resources as well as referrals to local providers who may be able to help you find the right solution for your family’s needs. Additionally, some employers on the island offer discounts or incentives for employees who use certain licensed providers or participate in approved programs such as Babysitting Co-ops or Nanny Sharing arrangements.
Hawaii has a lot of properties that are multi generational and thats something that I would like for you to explore.
If you are planning to purchase or rent property on the island a search parameter that you may consider is a home with an ohana. An ohana is a detached dwelling where a portion of a home has a separate entrance and a full kitchen. It is also plumbed to accommodate a bathroom and shower.
If ohanas are not available, you can also add a guest house into the search.
Another search parameter that you may consider is a home with more than 3 bedrooms. Depending on the size of the family, you may adjust your property size parameter and I will be more than happy to guide you by creating an MLS portal to help you tailor your search.
Keep in mind that properties that have an ohana are highly sought after and are higher in price value.
Another option that is very common in hawaii is having a partner stay home with the kids. Weigh if it is worth it to go back to work. Would the salary cover the cost of childcare? It will give you so much leverage to research all of this in advance rather than move here and be sticker shock.
Let’s go into costs. I am not a licensed childcare provider but I have a child and can provide you with first-hand research. There are options on the island that offer child care for kids under 6 or 7 years old. from 7 am – 5:30 pm, .onday to Friday, and the rates start at close to $1,000 a month.
Au Pair
If you are looking for a nanny that can live with you, you can contact an au pair program and connect with my friend Mollie. Lots of Au Pair come to the island to experience Hawaii and you can explore going this route by contacting Mollie.
To contact Mollie and her Au Pair program, email her at mollie@gundersen.com
Another solution is to hire a nanny on an hourly basis. I have seen rates going from $15 p hour all the way to $40 an hour depending on experience, level of care (special needs, cooking, learning) car arrangements, and outings.
There are some businesses on the island that offer morning or afternoon child programs to keep the kids entertained for a couple of hours and offer drop-in options.
Moving to a new place is always an adventure but it’s important to be prepared when it comes to finding quality childcare options for your little ones! The Big Island has plenty of great options when it comes to childcare – from traditional day cares and private preschools to family day care homes and community resources – so you have plenty of choices when it comes time to make a decision about where your kids will spend their days while you work or explore all the island has to offer! With a bit of research and planning ahead of time, you can rest assured that you’ll have a safe place for your children while you explore all that this beautiful island has in store!
