Hawaii DHS Early Childhood Registry

Welcome to the Hawaii DHS Early Childhood Registry!

The Registry is a vital component of the statewide workforce and professional development system. The Registry program documents the qualifications of practitioners based upon training, experience and professional achievements in the field of early care and education.

There are 2 distinct parts to the Registry described below:

A. Mandatory

Practitioners are required to have their job qualifications evaluated and recorded by the Registry if they are employed in Department of Human Services (DHS) licensed preschools, infant/toddler programs and group child care homes. DHS licensing rules are used to determine positions for which practitioners are qualified.

No longer do you need separate forms to initially apply to or update your Registry record. Both can be done with Form 1. Once your application is processed, you will receive a Registry Certificate and be eligible for employment.

For Registry applicants new to the field:

B. Voluntary

Practitioners may voluntarily participate in the career and professional development component by using the Registry as a tool to track, document and plan for ongoing professional development. Professional development include training classes, workshops and college classes that are focused on early care and education.

The Attitudes, Skills and Knowledge (ASK) Core Areas and the Framework for Early Care and Education Practitioner assist practitioners in determining training and career pathways. The ASK Core Areas describe standards for practitioners and what they need to know and be able to do in order to meet the needs of young children and their families. It can be used as a career guide and in some cases, employers have adopted these standards as part of employee evaluation tools.

C. Basic Initial Health and Safety Assessments

Individuals working, volunteering, or substituting in a DHS Licensed facility must complete an Initial Basic Health & Safety Assessment. The assessment is a one-time assessment and only needs to be retaken if an individual shows a 6 months break in service in a licensed facility. Assessment must show 100% accuracy in order to be considered complete.

D. Annual Health and Safety Training

Individuals who are identified as having completed the initial training Assessment may now pursue on-going training opportunities through the 12 month period from the date the initial health and safety training Assessment was completed.  To verify your annual training date, you may contact your DHS  Child Care Licensing Worker or PATCH Registry.  Online submittal of Health and Training Certificates are accepted through this portal. Please have your Director’s email /  FCC Providers email handy.

E. Safe Sleep Requirements

Licensed and registered family child care home providers employees and household members, infant and toddler employees/volunteers and group child care home employees who are licensed to care for children under one must complete training in safe sleep practices that are approved by the department upon hire and on an annual basis.

FIND ANSWERS WITH OUR FAQ

Q: Is the Registry required?
A: There are two parts to the Registry. Form 1 helps the Registry determine the position you qualify for under state child care licensing rules. In order to work in a center-based program such as a preschool, infant/toddler center or group home, DHS requires you to complete Form 1. In addition to Directors, all staff that are used in the child/staff ratio must be registered.

Q: What else does the Registry offer?
A: The Registry offers a voluntary component (Form 2) which guides you in your professional development. In addition, the Registry offers career counseling as well as technical assistance in filling out Registry forms. Contact your local PATCH office for the career counselor in your area.

Q: What will I get from the Registry?
A: Once you complete Form 1, you will get a Registry Certificate indicating the position(s) you qualify for under licensing rules and your level of professional development based upon the Framework for Early Care and Education Practitioners. You will also receive Form 2 for the voluntary component discussed above. It is up to you whether you want to complete this form to track your professional development.

Q: Do I need to renew my Registry?
A: It depends on your educational background and how you qualified for a DHS position. If you have a CDA credential or work in an infant/toddler center, you may have an expiration date contingent upon CDA renewal dates or additional required infant/toddler training. You may also update your Registry file at any time to reflect additional classes or experiences you have received. You may use Form 1 to update your file. A new Registry certificate will be issued if you have a change in position.

Q: Why do I need a current CDA on file?
A: If the Registry used your CDA credential to qualify you for your position, you must have a current CDA credential on file with the Registry to maintain your current position.

Q: Why does the Registry need my Social Security number?
A: Social security numbers are required to verify educational qualifications. Your information will be treated as confidential.

Q: Why should I complete Form 2?
A: The voluntary features of the Registry are designed to assist you in meeting your professional development needs. You will receive a Registry Transcript which will give you a record of the training experiences you have in each of the core knowledge areas. By using the Registry to demonstrate your professional development experiences, you also show parents, employers, etc. your commitment to early education.

Q: Is my school recognized as an accredited institution by the Registry?
The Registry recognizes and accepts Degrees from institutions accredited by one of the 6 regional accrediting bodies: List of Registry Nationally Accredited Institutions.pdf.