state. This means that expectations are kept at a state standard including everything from safety regulations, staff hiring and background checks. A licensed facility is held to an expected standard as all schools caring for children, should be.” These requirements keep your child safe and makes the program accountable not just to you, but to the state as well. An accredited program will ensure that the schools are regulated with stricter policies, higher standards of education, curriculum, staff qualifications and further on-going training. There are several accreditation programs participated in by schools throughout the islands. Ask the schools you tour about their involvement in accreditation or about their future plans to be involved. CURRICULUM There are a variety of curriculums that schools decide to follow in educating their welcome packets- policies and promises that sometimes aren’t noticed until it’s too late. Always read the information completely as this could sway your decision one way or another. Being informed is the key to making a positive choice for your family.” Always keep in mind that this is YOUR interview and not the other way around. YOU are the employer and your child is the service being provided for. Always tour your final considerations WITH your child at least once. LICENSING AND ACCREDITATION Any and every school you tour should want you to be as informed and as knowledgeable as possible. NO question is a bad question and professional educators will be more than willing to help guide your process. Choosing a center that is statelicensed is essential. On this matter, Ms. Cox states, “In Hawaii, ALL childcare programs are required to be licensed by the “Being informed is the key to making a positive choice for your family.” 84 HAWAII PARENT NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023
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