Our children are our nation's most valuable resource. They need nurturing, educated,
and capable people to care for them. If you are interested in a career in early
education you should enjoy working with children, have a high energy level, possess
a positive attitude, be friendly, creative and a good role model for young
children.
Your early care and education training could lead you to other professions such as:
| Child Life Specialist |
Children's Librarian |
| Pediatric Nurse |
Social Worker |
| Child Psychologist |
Nutritionist |
| Physical/Speech Therapist |
Elementary School Teacher |
The Hawaii Careers with Young Children Registry
The Registry is a statewide program that documents the qualifications
of those who work in the field of early care and education. The
Registry will help to provide recognition to practitioners based
upon their documented training, experience, and professional achievements.
Click here to
visit the Registry webpage and learn more!
Hawaii Association for the Education of Young Children
Hawai'i Association for the Education of Young Children (HAEYC)
is a non-profit, voluntary membership organization composed of
teachers, family childcare providers, caregivers, directors, advocates
and those committed to quality early childhood programs for children
birth to eight.
HAEYC is here to serve you, the early educator. If you have questions about your
development as a professional, HAEYC can guide you to your goals.
Click here
to visit the HAEYC website.
Family Child Care Provider
Are you interested in caring for children in your home? Are you able to provide that
care in a safe and nurturing environment?
PATCH can help you become a family child care provider by:
- Assisting you in becoming licensed by the State of Hawaii
- Guiding you on setting up your child care business
- Giving you information on child development, nutrition, health and safety issues
- Giving you information about resources available to providers, such as the
USDA Child Care Food Program that assists in paying for meals served in daycare
- Referring parents who are looking for child care to your business
For FREE information on becoming a state licensed child care provider,
contact your local PATCH office. For a listing of PATCH offices,
click here.
NOTE: consult the calendar page for the next FREE informational training session!
Center Director
A center director is responsible for the supervision of the center's program,
the supervision of the staff, staff meetings, orientation and continuing education
for the staff. Center Director must be at least 18 years of age, and meet one of the
following three options:
| Opt. 1 |
Bachelor’s Degree (any field) from an accredited college or university |
Some early childhood and/or child development courses |
2 years of experience working with children |
At least one year of experience must be in an early care & education setting |
| Opt. 2 |
2 years of college |
|
4 years of experience working with children |
At least one year of experience must be in an early care & education setting |
| Opt. 3 |
CDA (Child Development Associate Credential) |
|
4 years of experience working with children |
At least one year of experience must be in an early care & education setting |
Teacher
A child care teacher plans, implements and supervises the daily activities
for a group of children. Teachers must be at least 18 years-old
and must meet one of the following options:
| Opt. 1 |
Degree (any) in Early Care and Education or Child Development from an accredited college or university |
|
6 months of experience working with children |
|
| Opt. 2 |
Bachelor Degree (any field) from an accredited college or university |
12 credits in early childhood and/or child development |
6 months of experience working with children |
Experience must be in an early care & education related setting |
| Opt. 3 |
Bachelor Degree (elementary education) from an accredited college or university |
6 credits in early childhood and/or child development |
6 months of experience working with children |
Experience must be in an early care & education related setting |
| Opt. 4 |
Associate Degree (any field) |
College Certificate of Recognition in Early Childhood (9-15 credits) |
1 year supervised teaching experience |
Experience must be in an early care & education related setting |
| Opt. 5 |
CDA (Child Development Associate Credential) |
|
1 year supervised teaching experience |
Experience must be in an early care & education related setting |
Assistant Teacher
An assistant teacher in a group center works with children under the supervision
of a teacher. An assistant teacher must be 18 years-old and will meet one
of the following three options:
| Opt. 1 |
2 years of college
(60 credits)
|
9 credits in early childhood and/or child development |
6 months of experience working with children |
Experience must be in an early care & education related setting |
| Opt. 2 |
2 years of college (60 credits) |
College Certificate of Recognition in Early Childhood (less than 9 credits) |
6 months of experience working with children |
Experience must be in an early care & education related setting |
| Opt. 3 |
CDA (Child Development Associate Credential) |
|
6 months of experience working with children |
Experience must be in an early care & education related setting |
