Child Care

DHS's Office of Child Care supports the workforce in providing families with equitable access to high-quality, safe, affordable child care.

Its Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) provides subsidies to offset the cost of child care to families who meet income eligibility guidelines and are employed at least 20 hours a week, earning at least Rhode Island’s minimum wage, or are participating in approved training or college programs. In addition, the office is home to the RI Head Start Collaboration Office. 

The office also handles child care licensing and funds a variety of initiatives to continuously improve the quality of early childhood care and education while supporting programs and providers in this process.

A little girl in child care with a SpongeBob SquarePants mask on her face and a pink shirt poses for the camera

Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) & Head Start

Family eligibility and how to apply for CCAP, choosing a child care provider, Head Start information, the difference between Head Start and CCAP and more.

 

A child care teacher holding a toy firetruck teaches two nearby children.

Child Care Providers

Provider applications, rate charts, licensing forms, background checks, COVID-19 guidance, workforce development opportunities and provider resources

CCAP for Child Care Staff Pilot

A little girl learning at child care stops to tilt her head and pose for the camera.

Quality Initiatives

Child Care Health Consultation, PDG Pathways, BrightStars, RI Early Learning and Development Standards, SUCCESS and more

 

A little boy lays on a mat at a child care center to listen to a visitor who is going to read a story to the class.

Research, Reports, Surveys and News

PDG reports, COVID-19 Impact Survey, BrightStars Think Tank Recommendations, and child care in the news

early learning

Early Learning Centers

The consumer website allows families to search for providers based on age group served, setting, quality levels, financial assistance, and accreditations.

Consumer Statement 2025 – English

Consumer Statement 2025 – Spanish

Aggregate Data Report 2023 – English

Aggregate Data Report 2023 – Spanish

Woman typing on keyboard

Rhode Island Start Early System (RISES)

Information and training relating to the RISES system, including the Workforce Registry, Licensing System of Record, Provider Portal and Consumer Portal