Some Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:

How long is your waiting list?

We maintain 3 waiting lists - one for infants, another for younger toddlers (beginning as early as 10 or 11 months) and a third for Older Toddlers (beginning as early as 18 or 19 to 36 months.) When a child "graduates" from our program and moves onto pre-school, we look first to see if any younger children in our program are ready to move up. Only then will we know which class will have the opening.
Once we begin to call families on the waiting list, we can't predict what their response will be - their circumstances may have changed. We also give priority to our alumni families. The more flexible you can be as far as scheduling is concerned, you can increase your chances of being enrolled into HKAW. Once your child is enrolled at HKAW you have priority to add days and increase hours to your child's schedule.

Does HKAW offer tuition assistance?

While we do not yet offer our own tuition reduction program, if you qualify for tuition assistance from Alu Like or First To Work, our Director will be happy to work with you and your caseworker and provide all the necessary documentation in order for you to receive assistance.

What are the staff members’ qualifications?

Five of our “Aunties” have been with HKAW for more than 10 years. Most of our staff exceed the minimum qualifications set by licensing for the positions that they hold. These qualifications are a combination of education and experience and HKAW encourages the continuing education of our aunties. All of the Staff at HKAW are First Aid and CPR certified. Our Director has a BA in Early Childhood Education and over 12 years experience as both a teacher and administrator. Our Director has a B.S. in Human Development and Family Relations with her concentration of study in Early Childhood Development and over 14 years experience as both a caregiver and administrator.

How is my child oriented to the HKAW program and staff?

Change is hard on all of us, so we’re especially careful to plan ahead for the orientation of you and your child to our Center and Ohana. At least one parent will be interviewed to obtain information about the child's overall development and behavior and to acquaint the parent with the Center's facilities, programs and policies. The child should be brought to see the Center at least once before the orientation process starts.

Orientation begins approximately one week prior to enrollment and will be designed to meet the needs of the child and the family as determined by the Center Director.

The Center staff and Director will evaluate the separation process. If necessary, especially if it is the child's first separation experience from parents, a more gradual process may be suggested. The key is that each experience is unique and we do not use a cookie cutter approach for all families. You work out an orientation schedule that meets your needs and the needs of your child.

What is a typical day like for my child at HKAW?

Infants (under 12 months of age) are on their own individual schedules. During orientation it is up to the parent to let their child’s primary caregiver, or Auntie, know what this schedule is so it can be maintained throughout the day.

Our one and two year old class schedules typically include morning snack, then  a small group time with book reading, singing and a theme related activity. The children then enjoy time out on our playground for large motor play or take a ride in the “Bye Bye Buggies” to check out the sites around town. Once or twice a week, weather permitting, the children have water play on the playground. 

After outside time, the children enjoy lunch and then its rest time. The Aunties help the children relax and wind down by rubbing backs and playing soft music.  After nap time and an afternoon snack there’s time for free play in the classroom. and most often playground time while waiting for parents to arrive for pick up.

What happens when my child is sick?

Children who are ill should not come to daycare as they most often require extra care and attention, as well as monitoring of their condition. We also have no way to separate them from the other children who may then be exposed to the sick child. The main condition which indicates a child should not stay at the Center is fever. Fever in and of itself is not an illness, but it usually a sign of some other illness.
We send children home when their temperature reaches 101 degrees and they must be fever free for 24 hours before returning. By law we cannot administer fever medication unless it is prescribed by a doctor.

What kind of fundraising does HKAW do?

We operate our budget at below break even in order to keep tuition affordable to the greatest number of families. Although we depend on fund-raising to balance our budget, we try to make each fund raiser different and ask each family to participate equally. Families who choose not to participate in a particular fundraising effort are most often given the option to make a cash donation instead. 

"HKAW is a great place. I felt very comfortable with all the caregivers there.  Everyone is so caring and nice that you think of everyone like ohana." – K.C.