Hawaii Therapeutic Boarding Schools

All private schools in Hawaii must register with the Hawaii Department of Consumer Affairs. Although licensing is optional, it is strongly recommended by the state. Memorandum of Understanding The Hawaii Council of Private Schools, HDOE, Hawaii Association of Independent Schools (HAIS), pursuant to Hawaii Sessions Law.

The organization through which a private school is licensed sets the requirements of teacher certification. Those licensed by the HAIS require that “the administration, faculty, and staff shall be qualified for their position and responsibilities by education and/or experience. While it is the responsibility of the head of the school to determine the school’s needs and the qualifications needed in personnel, regular teachers, not working exclusively under the direct supervision of another faculty member, shall be expected to have at least a baccalaureate degree from an established college or university, or a professional certificate from a national or state teacher certification agency, or some other means of indicating the talents and/or skills (such as technological, foreign language competency) for their position. In general, there should be a preference for faculty with degrees from established colleges or universities.” Hawaii Council of Private Schools, Standards and Procedures for the Approval of Hawaii Private Schools, 1996.

Schools licensed by the Hawaii Council of Public Schools are required to include reading, writing, speech, mathematics, social studies, science, art, music, health and physical education in their educational curriculum. Hawaii Council of Private Schools, Standards and Procedures for the Approval of Hawaii Private Schools, 1996. In order to attend a private school, students must present a report of health including, a physical examination and proof of a tuberculosis examination.

Private schools in Hawaii are required to maintain reasonable health and safety standards as set down by the Hawaii Council of Private Schools. Additionally, all employees hired after July 1, 2000 must pass a criminal record check in order to work in close proximity with the children.

Reference: http://www2.ed.gov