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 low income families who meet income guidelines and are working a minimum of 20 hours per week at or above Rhode Island's minimum wage to offset the cost of child care. 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 support early care and education that providers need to enhance the quality of their programs.

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
 

 

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.