To begin the enrollment process, please request a Waitlist Application from the school that you would like your child to attend. Each of our seven preschools maintains its own waitlist.
If you have not yet decided on a school, review the school locations and the descriptions provided on each school page. You may then contact the Center Director by email or phone, as shown on the school page.
The Center Director will answer all of your questions and will give you a rough estimate of the waiting time for an enrollment offer (our projected openings are often booked far in advance). You will be invited to visit the school and take a tour. The Center Director will get your name and address and mail you a brochure, tuition information, and a waitlist application.
FAQ's:
Q: Is there an application fee?
A: Yes, the application fee is $25.
Q: Can I apply to more than one of your schools at the same time?
A: Yes, we allow a second school to be selected on the Waitlist Application. You should request the waitlist application from your "first choice" school and then select your "second choice" school on the same application. There is no additional application fee for choosing a second school.
Q: What ages do you accept?
A: All of our schools accept children aged 2 to 5 years, and some accept children at 18 months. Please refer to the individual school pages.
Q: Does my child need to be toilet trained?
A: All of our schools accept two-year old children in diapers.
Q: What are your hours of operation?
A: All of our schools are open from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Some also offer extended care from 6:30 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. and/or 5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Please refer to the school that you are interested in for that information.
Q: How much is tuition?
A: Tuition varies by school and by child's age. When you request a waitlist application, the Center Director will send you a rate schedule. Please be sure to tell the Center Director if you would like rate schedules for more than one school.
Q: Does tuition include meals?
A: Yes, we serve nutritious, USDA-approved meals at no additional charge, including breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack.
Q: Do you have any tuition assistance?
A: Yes, we do. KCAA has the largest privately funded tuition assistance program amongst nonprofit preschools in Hawai’i, funded in large part by Aloha United Way, The Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, The Frear Eleemosynary Trust, The G.N. Wilcox Trust, and the McInerny Foundation. Assistance is available to qualifying families on a first come, first served basis. You may also be able to obtain assistance through the State of Hawaii's Child Care Connection program. For information call (808) 587-5266.
Q: Which of your schools is closest to where I work or live?
A: Please refer to the map shown on the school locations page. Most of our schools are in the Honolulu area (Kalihi to Hawai'i Kai) with one school on the Windward side of the island in Kailua. We do not have any locations in West Oahu.
Q: When does your school year start? Are you closed in the summer?
A: We have a year-round program, with a one-week spring recess and a two-week winter break. Generally, new children start in July or August, and current children are "promoted" to their new age-level class throughout the summer. However, we will accept new students at any time of the year, if openings are available.
Q: Do you have a sibling discount?
A: Yes, we do. Please inquire with the Center Director.
Q: I've heard that most preschools have long waiting lists. When should I apply?
A: Our Center Directors will accept a waitlist application for a child of any age from birth to four years. Any time after your child is born, you may apply. Your child's birth date is required on the application. It's a good idea to start the application process at least a year in advance, and even earlier if possible. Please call the Center Director at the school of your choice, and discuss this question with him or her.
For more helpful information, please visit the Parent Resources page.
