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. 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 resources Child Care Providers Provider applications, rate charts, licensing forms, background checks, COVID-19 guidance, workforce development opportunities and provider resources Quality Initiatives Child Care Health Consultation, PDG Pathways, BrightStars, RI Early Learning and Development Standards, SUCCESS and more Research, Reports, Surveys and News PDG reports, COVID-19 Impact Survey, BrightStars Think Tank Recommendations, and child care in the news
